Express & Star

Carl Campbell murder: West Bromwich gun killing suspect tracked down in Belgium

Police have traced a suspect wanted for questioning in connection with the murder of a man in broad daylight in a Black Country town centre, it has emerged.

Published

Carl Campbell was gunned down while sitting in a stationary Ford Fiesta on Dartmouth Street, West Bromwich close to the junction with High Street on December 27.

The suspect was tracked down to Belgium where he was arrested and is currently being held.

West Midlands Police have launched extradition proceedings but it is unclear how long these will take.

Police spokeswoman Gina Lycett confirmed: "A third man has been detained in connection with the murder of West Bromwich man Carl Campbell.

"The 24-year-old was detained in Belgium under a European Arrest Warrant and extradition to the UK is now being arranged."

Vikesh Chauhan, also aged 24, and of no fixed address, pleaded not guilty to the murder when he appeared at Wolverhampton Crown Court on Thursday.

He further denied the attempted murder of Rakesh Tony on the same date and possession of a Smith and Wesson .44 Magnum handgun with intent to endanger life.

He was remanded in custody to stand trial at the same court on June 28.

Police at the scene where Carl Campbell was shot, at the junction of Dartmouth Street and High Street, West Bromwich

Mohammed Humza, aged 19, and also of no fixed abode, appeared in the dock alongside him to face three identical charges but was not asked to offer a plea. He will return to the court to do so at a later date.

It emerged after the murder of Campbell that he had been jailed in 2009 for knocking down and killing 92-year-old Clarence Elwin the previous year.

The 33-year-old from Low Hill, Wolverhampton was sentenced to six years after pleading guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and attempting to pervert the course of justice.

His family said after his death his family paid tribute to 'a much loved son, devoted father and beloved brother.'

They added in reference to the earlier accident: "Carl was a young man at the time who had a full driving licence, tax and insurance. He just panicked and left the scene.

"When he came to his family he was advised to report to the police station which he did immediately. As we know he received six years in prison and an eight-year driving ban which he served his time for.

"He was very sorry for what had happened. He was not a killer. It was an accident and he panicked so please don't judge him on that incident alone."

Sorry, we are not accepting comments on this article.