Grenadian Dad pays tribute to "adventurous" son who died on holiday in Walthamstow

by Mhairi Macfarlane – Waltham Forest News

THURSDAY April 1, 2010 - A FATHER has paid tribute to his "adventurous" son who died after being found bleeding to death in Walthamstow.

Elvin Francis, 59, said his 26-year-old son, Kelvin, was on a one-month holiday in London when he died after being found outside the Captain Fish & Chip shop in Walthamstow, on March 7.

A man was subsequently charged with his murder and is due to appear in court in June.

Speaking from the family home in Grenada in the Caribbean, the father-of-five said: “We are trying to cope but it is not very easy. We are taking it step by step, one day at a time."

The construction worker said his son, who was a driver, was an outgoing and adventurous young man who had been to London before and wanted to travel.

He said: “He was a very outgoing person, energetic, friendly and courteous. He was a person that everyone liked.

"He was an admirable person. He was very close to his brothers and sisters and they miss him terribly. It is a great loss.”

Mr Francis said his wife heard an announcement on the radio that the couple needed to contact the criminal investigation unit in Grenada, and then found out the terrible news that their son had died.

Mr Francis said: “From that moment it has been a terrible shock. I cannot find the words to express how I felt at that moment.”

David Kazim, 23, of no fixed abode, has been charged with the murder of Kelvin Francis and has been remanded in custody.

Lisa Donegan, 21, of Lordship Lane, Wood Green, is accused of perverting the cause of justice.

Both have been remanded until June 18, when they are due to enter a plea at the Old Bailey.

Anyone with information about the killing on March 7, should call police on 8345 1570.