Recorda Davey-Ann Clarke, who also goes by the name Ricardo, was killed after an “altercation” reportedly broke out on the corner of Willesden High Road and Linacre Road on December 28, 2024.
The Old Bailey heard that the 35-year-old had been out celebrating his girlfriend’s birthday that night before he was brutally attacked.
Speaking exclusively to the Brent & Kilburn Times, Lori-Jane Forrest, who has raised two children with Mr Clarke, has shared a heart-breaking tribute to the victim.
‘Big heart’
The Jamaican born victim is understood to have moved to the UK at the age of seven.
Ms Forrest met Mr Clarke around 20 years ago in West Norwood.
Speaking highly of him, she said: “He has a big heart, he’d do anything for his family and is a really funny guy.
“He loved his music, he loved being outside and just doing things with his family.”
She said he was a “very hardworking man” at the Royal Parks, as an apprentice studying botany and the biology of plants.
Recalling his hobby, she added: “He loved gardening plants. The garden at his mum’s house has all these plants he cared for, and my son said ‘who’s going to look after daddy’s plants?’
“He had a bright future ahead of him.”
His interest in gardening was so strong, that his family hopes to plant a tree in honour of his name.
‘Lost without him’
When the news broke that her ex-partner was killed, Ms Forrest said she was shocked.
She said: “I just didn’t think it was true at all. He’s not what you’d call a ‘roadman’, he’s not about that life. I’m obviously still shocked to be honest.”
The family had plans to have Mr Clarke visit Scotland to see the kids after Christmas – rather than their normal routine of visiting London – before his life was taken away.
And while their children are mourning, Ms Forrest said she’s also concerned for his mother.
“Ricardo’s mum -she just lost her son. He has three other brothers, but he’s the baby of the family. She’s lost without him.”
Hundreds of heartbroken people turned up to his Nine Night, a Jamaican celebration of life which takes place after a death, sharing their memories of him.
“I would have died for him, and he would have died for me,” said Ms Forrest.
‘Fun-loving and bubbly guy’
Having lived in south London for most of her life, she said that the experiences of crime she has seen and heard about has made her very alert.
Ms Forrest added: “This is obviously one of the reasons I moved out of London, it’s just terrible. No one is safe, it’s just stabbings every day.
“Since him, there’s been so many other ones – it’s just crazy… I do not want that for my kids.”
According to his ex-partner, Mr Clarke was a “fun-loving and bubbly guy” and believes unfortunate circumstances led up to his death.
“He wasn’t out there looking for fights, that’s not him. He just wanted to go work, come home, see his kids. That’s him,” she explained.
Ricardo leaves behind two children Leora, 10, and Davien, six.
Following his death, Ms Forrest hopes to raise funds to cover the funeral costs and provide financial security for the future of their kids.
To help support the family, donate here: https://gofund.me/30a91a94
She explained: “Leora and Davien have experienced a lot of grief and heartbreak over the last few years losing their nan, great Nan, aunt, grandad, great grandad and now their father.
“Our children are devastated, confused, upset and angry and will definitely need some therapy and ongoing support as they have suffered great losses.”
