Stephon Davidson murder: Drive-by shooting case reopened eight years after teenager gunned down
Detectives investigating the murder of a teenager in a drive-by shooting eight years ago have reopened the inquiry after significant new evidence was passed to officers.
Stephon Davidson, 19, was shot on August 5 2008 while travelling as a passenger in a car in Ladywood, Birmingham.
The victim - whose mother is appealing for witnesses to come forward - suffered a gunshot wound to his neck and died from his injuries in hospital almost a month later.
Issuing a fresh appeal for information about the murder, Det Supt Mark Payne, West Midlands Police's head of homicide, said: "Eight years have passed since Stephon's death but we remain resolutely committed to establishing who fired the shots which ended such a young life.
"Stephon was a back-seat passenger in a Citroen Saxo, which was chased and shot at by at least two men in a silver Toyota Avensis as it drove along Monument Road in Ladywood.
"A number of shots were fired from the car, one fatally injuring Stephon."
Mr Payne added: "Investigations into his death have continued over the years but, as a result of some significant new information being given to officers, we are now reopening the case and appealing for anyone who may have been scared or reluctant to talk to police to do so and finally bring some closure to Stephon's family.
"I would reassure you that we can offer the full range of special measures to support witnesses."
Police have also released new CCTV images of the Toyota Avensis, registration number FE03 JXW, chasing the Citroen car that Stephon was travelling in.
The car has never been recovered.
Maxine Sharp, Stephon's mother, wants people to come forward so those responsible for her son's death can be brought to justice.
She said: "It's been eight years since we lost my son. Stephon was full of life, a warm-hearted, loving and caring individual. As a family we had to watch his slow but peaceful passing.
"What we would like to see is for those individuals involved in his death to be brought to justice. It is like an open wound and we need closure."
Anyone with information about the murder should contact West Midlands Police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
