Shaun Cody

THE family of a man stabbed to death in a park said he was a “true gentleman” who has left behind a young son and large family who are “completely devastated”.

Shaun Cody, adopted at a young age before rekindling with his biological family in his teens, was fatally stabbed in Camden Gardens, Camden Town, on September 27.

The 44-year-old died in hospital from his injuries.Dwight Merrick, 35, has been charged with murder.

Shaun’s cousin Sarah Whaley told the New Journal: “Our family adored him. Shaun had a big family and many siblings who loved him.

“He did not have the easiest start in life but he never let that define him. He was a true gentleman – polite, moralistic, loyal and very family oriented.

“He had the biggest heart and smile and was so funny and expressed his thoughts and feelings through his gift and talent of writing his own music.”

It is understood Shaun, who grew up in Edgware, had recently moved to Camden – just over a fortnight before his death.

Ms Whaley said: “Him not knowing the local area leaves us desperate to ascertain why and for what reason he lost his life. It has literally destroyed us, his family, in not knowing how we can move forward.

“Shaun was a truly happy, funny man who entertained everyone with the most cheeky smile, melting hearts and therefore getting away with the pranks and jokes he pulled.

“He had a heart of gold and a fist of steel – protecting his many sisters, brothers, nieces and nephews. He never looked for fights but if people bought it he never needed a weapon, he was old-school, a good old square-up with fists was good enough as men used to do.

“Knowing we will never hear his funny stories or wind-ups again… the fact that his many siblings and family will not see his beautiful smile or hear his laugh.”

Shaun had worked as a labourer and as a bouncer and security officer.

His sister, Sam Cody, said he had a love of music, everything from reggae, punk, house, garage and jungle music.

Camden Gardens locked up after Mr Cody’s death

His nickname was “Mumbles”.

She said: “Sometimes he’d be quiet when he was speaking but the quietness didn’t suit his height, he was over 6ft tall. It made him sound small but he was so big.

“He loved his family, he was proud of his family. He hated a bully and had strong beliefs. It hasn’t hit me yet, that he won’t be here anymore. He just wanted to be a good dad and have a job.”

His family said Shaun loved to read books to keep his mind open and educated, and could chef up anything in the kitchen.

His niece, who did not want to be named, said: “Shaun had the largest personality, he would always have a smile on his face and make jokes even through his tough days.

“He loved to MC to any song of any genre, he would be anywhere and you would hear him rapping away.

“Shaun spoke of his pain and his life in his music.

“He would always clean up and cook dinner for his family. He would put music on the speaker as loud as he could and be in his own little world.

Shaun Cody with Sarah Whalley

“I remember going on walks to the shop and he would let me pick up anything I wanted. When it was my birthday no matter where he was, he would always call, send a letter or show up. Uncle Shaun was the first man to buy me roses on my birthday and cook me breakfast before school.

“His death was a tragedy that has left a hole in a lot of people’s hearts. Camden will never be the same place again, except a place to show respect and love to a good pure-hearted man that was tested in life.”

Following his death, the Met said: “Met officers attended the scene alongside the London Ambulance Service who treated a 44-year-old man for stab wounds before taking him to hospital, but despite the best efforts of the emergency services, he sadly died.”

Mr  Merrick was remanded in custody with a trial date provisionally set for May 11 2026 at the Old Bailey.

His next court appearance will be for a plea and trial preparation hearing on December 23.