Jailed for 32 years: ‘Iconic’ gangland killer who thought he was ‘untouchable’ Police hail one of Birmingham’s ‘most significant’ convictions
ABIRMINGHAM gangster who shot a rival member dead in the street “saw himself as untouchable”, according to a top police officer.
Detective Superintendent Mark Payne spoke out after Tafarwa Beckford, known as ‘Dreads’, was jailed for life for murdering Derek Junior Myers outside the Big Bang snooker club in Soho Hill, Hockley.
The leading Burger Bar Boys member will serve a minimum of 32 years in prison.
Beckford, from Duchess Road in Ladywood, shot his victim in the jaw and chest with a handgun in the early hours of October 30, 2015.
The killer had previously stood trial over three separate killings, but was cleared of murder.
Notorious Burger Bar Boys gangster Beckford was charged with the murder of Chris Clarke, who was stabbed and beaten with champagne bottles in 2000.
And in 2003, he was charged over the New Year’s murders of teenage friends Charlene Ellis and Letisha Shakespeare in Aston.
He was cleared part-way through a trial in 2005, following a submission of insufficient evidence.
Now, Det Supt Payne has said “iconic” Beckford thought he was “untouchable” before being jailed this week for life for the murder of Mr Myers.
“Tafarwa Beckford was an iconic criminal linked to a number of murders and shootings over a number of years,” said Det Supt Payne.
“I think this is one of the most significant convictions in Birmingham in the last 20 years.
“Beckford was an iconic criminal who saw himself above the law.
“He has been linked to other murders over a number of years.
“I think the sentence sees justice brought to bear against him. I think he saw himself as untouchable, someone who could act with impunity.
“I think Birmingham is a much safer place following his conviction and sentence.”
Mr Myers, 25, was shot twice after a violent fall-out between Burger Bar Boys gangsters.
Trouble flared after warring factions of the gang came together in the snooker club’s entrance hall shortly after 4am.
The violence spilled into the street and quickly escalated as punches were thrown and Beckford’s close ally, Marvin Duffas, was brutally attacked. He was stabbed and shot five times at close range in an assault which left him permanently brain damaged.
Less than a minute later, Beckford – intent on revenge having seen Duffas critically injured – caught up with the man he suspected of pulling the trigger.
Instead of opening fire at him, Beckford turned his gun on the suspect’s righthand-man, Derek Myers, in a callous act to “even the score”.
The shooting happened in full view of members of the public, with a bus passenger witnessing the horrific attack. But West Midlands Police detectives were met with a wall of silence and only a handful of people came forward to provide state- ments. However, a meticulous investigation led to officers trawling through CCTV – including camera footage from a bus passing at the time of the violence – and with the help of visual imagery experts pieced together the movements of all the parties involved.
Beckford was identified as a key suspect and tracked down to an address in Tividale where he was found hiding more than two weeks later.
The 36-year-old, who had shaved his head in an attempt to change his appearance and avoid capture, was later charged with murder and he was found guilty by a jury last Friday.
He was jailed for life at Birmingham Crown Court on Wednesday.
Beckford has been ordered to serve a minimum of 32 years in prison before he is considered for release.
Beckford is a stepbrother star Jamelia.
Tafarwa Beckford was an iconic criminal linked to a number of murders and shootings over a number of years. Det Chief Supt Mark Payne, left
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