Two weeks ago, 19-year-old Oxford University student, Richard Okorogheye had gone missing in London. Richard’s mum, Evidence Joel had pleaded for more help to find her missing son. She urged her son to come home and appealed help from the public in finding the son she was ‘missing desperately’.
Two days ago, the Metropolitan Police said they were informed by Essex Police that the body of a man was found in a pond in the woodland. It has now been confirmed that the body indeed belonged to Richard Okorogheye.
Richard Okorogheye’s Reason of Death
Richard’s family has been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.
So far, the police have not been able to determine the cause of Richard’s tragic death, and they do not believe that there was a third-party involved.
Detective Superintendent Danny Gosling, Head of the Met’s Central West Public Protection Unit, said, “My deepest sympathies go out to Richard’s family at this incredibly difficult time. This was not the outcome that any of us had hoped for and we will ensure that his grieving family are well-supported by specially trained officers.”
“I would like to extend my thanks to the many officers, staff and members of the public who have each played a part in the extensive effort to locate Richard.”. he continued.
Where was Richard Okorogheye last seen?
Richard was last seen boarding the 23 bus southbound in Ladbroke Grove at about 20:45 GMT on 22 March. CCTV Footage showed that he was wearing black clothes and was carrying a black satchel with a white Adidas logo.
Ms Joel had described her son as, “a very civilised boy, he’s very focused, intelligent, loved by everyone”. She believed that Richard had been taken away. She said, “We feel he has been taken away – he went to a friend and something happened there.”
She had then added, “If anybody has seen Richard, please tell Richard to come home. Please, tell him to come home. We need him at home.”
Richard Okorogheye: Twitter outrage
People have been shocked, saddened and enraged all at the same time by the discovery of Okorogheye’s body. Many believe that the police did not do a the job that they were supposed to do in trying to find the teenager.
