Boy's death inquest: "Collective failings" exposed

A thorough inquest into the death of 14-year-old Corey Junior Davis has concluded that "collective failings" across multiple public agencies preceded his fatal shooting. Known as CJ, he was unlawfully killed in a drive-by shooting in Forest Gate, east London, on September 4, 2017.

Senior coroner Graeme Irvine noted systemic lapses in children's social care, youth offending, and housing services. While these failures may have contributed to his death, the coroner stated it could not be definitively proven as probable.

The inquest heard CJ, a vulnerable teenager with ADHD, was excluded from school and subsequently groomed by a gang for drug carrying. His mother's urgent requests for support and rehousing to protect him were reportedly not adequately addressed by Newham Council social services.

Despite escalating risks, an independent safeguarding review found no robust plan was in place. The coroner called it "shameful" that no one has been convicted for the murder, renewing appeals for information. The suspects fled in a stolen Range Rover.

CJ's mother stated that while nothing will bring him back, she hopes his legacy will ensure vulnerable exploited children receive the protection he needed.