Homicide detectives from the Metropolitan Police’s Specialist Crime Command have charged a man in connection with the disappearance and presumed murder of Justin Henry. Louis Benjamin, 29, residing on Waddon New Road in Croydon, was charged with one count of murder on Wednesday, October 25. The family of Mr. Henry has been made aware of the charge.
Benjamin appeared in custody before Bromley Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, October 26, and is scheduled to make his next appearance at the Central Criminal Court on Monday, October 30. He was apprehended at an address in Croydon on Tuesday, October 24.
Detective Chief Inspector Matt Webb, leading the investigation, expressed, “As a result of our inquiries, a man has been charged with Justin Henry’s murder. We have spoken to Mr. Henry’s family, and we fully understand the deep distress this development will cause. I have assured his family that the search to find Mr. Henry continues, and I know they will be hoping that all may yet be well. However, based on all the available evidence, we have approached the CPS who have authorised a charge of murder.
Inspector Webb stressed that the charge does not signify the conclusion of their appeal for information. The police still require the public’s assistance and urge anyone with any information, regardless of how insignificant they deem it, to come forward. He added, “Mr. Henry’s family are enduring a dreadful ordeal, and they are desperate for news and are also seeking your help.”
Justin Henry, 34, was reported missing to the police on Monday, October 16. He was last seen in person on the evening of Sunday, October 15, at his partner’s address in Brixton. Since then, his family has had no contact with him, which is entirely out of character.
Detectives are actively working to establish Justin’s movements, particularly late on Sunday, October 15, and in the early hours of Monday, October 16. CCTV footage shows him purchasing food at a McDonald’s drive-thru restaurant on London Road in Croydon at approximately 21:50 on Sunday, October 15. He then drove to Waddon New Road, where his silver Mercedes E Class was parked for around two-and-a-half hours. The vehicle was subsequently located in Kingswood Drive, SE19, on Monday, October 16.
The identity of the driver when the vehicle arrived at Kingswood Drive shortly after 01:00 on Monday, October 16, remains unclear due to an indistinct CCTV image of the driver. However, Justin’s family has confirmed that he was not the one driving.
In connection with the investigation, a 27-year-old woman, whose identity is being protected, was arrested on Wednesday, October 18, on suspicion of kidnapping. She has been released on bail pending further inquiries.
Police have conducted forensic examinations at an address in Croydon and on Justin’s car, in addition to extensive CCTV and phone inquiries. Nonetheless, detectives are urging anyone with information about Justin’s disappearance or his activities leading up to it to come forward.
Witnesses or individuals with information are urged to contact the police on 101 or via Twitter/X @MetCC, quoting Operation Ashgulf or CAD 5224/21Oct. Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at Crimestoppers-UK.
