Keyham mass shooting: People to remember victims on the first anniversary. Read details here

Exactly a year ago, a 22-year-old loner, who shot dead his mother after an argument, walked out on Plymouth's streets and killed four more unarmed civilians.

Tonight, on the first anniversary of one of the bloodiest mass shootings in UK's history, people will gather to remember victims of Jake Davison. In addition to shooting dead 3-year-old Sophie Martyn, her 43-year-old father Lee, 59-year-old Stephen Washington and 66-year-old Kate Shepherd, Davison also killed his 51-year-old mother, Maxine.

Before police could arrive, Davison, a crane operator apprentice, shot himself with his shotgun.


A public event at the Minster church of St. Andrew and a neighborhood vigil will be held at North Down Crescent Park, northwest of the city center, to commemorate the anniversary in Plymouth on August 12.

Friday will be "an excruciating moment for many, and our sympathies are with the families, the survivors, and the communities of Keyham, Ford, and the surrounding regions," said councilor Richard Bingley, leader of Plymouth City Council.

Earlier this week, Washington's family talked of their loss and thanked the community for their support. He added, "The anniversary will be a moment for people to come together, or just remember quietly, and mourn loved ones following this sad tragedy."

Davison received mental health assistance while the coronavirus lockdown was in effect. Social media usage revealed an infatuation with incel culture, involuntary celibacy, and a fascination with the US and guns.

Months before he filed for a shotgun licence, his mother had reported him to the government's anti-terrorism Prevent programme in November 2016. This programme seeks to prevent people from becoming terrorists. Although the referral's specifics were not made public, they will be crucial to the investigation.