Find the killer who shot my daughter (From Bucks Free Press)

Find the killer who shot my daughter

8:59am Monday 13th September 2004 in

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THE mother of shooting victim Natasha Derby has made an emotional appeal for the public's help in tracking down her daughter's killer.

Margaret Derby was in tears as she spoke out days after reveller Natasha was gunned down two weeks ago on a dance floor packed with 100 partygoers at Wycombe Multi-Racial Centre in St Mary Street, High Wycombe.

Sitting at a police press conference on Wednesday, September 8th, alongside Natasha's grandmother Elizabeth England and uncle Terry Allen, she said: "Natasha was a loving sister and daughter. I would appeal to those who attended the event or who know or saw what happened to come and talk to the police.

"Only with their help and support can the person that killed my daughter be brought to justice."

Detectives investigating the shooting of Natasha, 23, of the YMCA, Crest Road, High Wycombe, said they still do not have a description of the gunman or a suspect despite a week of inquiries.

Det Chief Insp Andy Taylor pleaded for people at the ragga night at the multi-racial centre last Friday night to speak to police so they can catch the killer.

Speaking at the press conference, DCI Taylor said: "So far only ten people have identified themselves. Our team of detectives are out tracing others who they know were at the event."

DCI Taylor said the police had no motive for the shooting and were keeping an "open mind". He added: "There was no sign of trouble and yet this young woman was shot dead. I would like to speak to those people present at the event to piece together what happened and why she died."

DCI Taylor added: "There is no suspect. Witnesses saw Natasha falling to the floor and they heard the bang but we have not seen anyone who saw someone with a gun or acting in a strange manner."

Natasha, who worked for Broadway Tyres, in Hillbottom Road, Sands, helped out on the door for the Summer Jam event.

As the evening wore on, police said Natasha moved to the dance floor and began dancing with a friend.

Police said security at the door "broke down" after midnight allowing people to enter without a search. At about 2.30am partygoers said they heard a "bang or a pop", said DCI Taylor. Natasha then fell to the floor with a gunshot wound to the right side of her head.

Panic ensued and the majority of revellers fled the scene.

Three special constables patrolling the town centre attended to Natasha. She was then taken to Wycombe Hospital where she died on Sunday, September 5th, from head injuries.

Building a description of the gunman has proved even more difficult as the dance floor was dark with only one light over the DJ.

A Cressex resident, who knew Natasha, said: "People do not want to say anything because of the seriousness of what happened. People are worried about getting themselves into trouble."

The multi-racial centre is owned by Wycombe District Council and manages bookings for the facility.

A district council spokesman said: "We are currently liaising with police."

Anyone who was at the multi-racial centre on the evening of Friday, 3rd September, or near it in the early hours of Saturday morning is urged to call DCI Taylor on 08458 505505 or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.