THE stepson of an heroic dad shot dead as he tried to protect his family has told how he has poured his grief into music.
Karl Wilson – who raps under the name Konan – was chased home to Langdale Road, Thornton Heath, by jealous rival Christopher Thomas, for dating his ex-girlfriend.
However, it was his stepdad, Carlton Ned, who was shot dead when he tried to save Karl and his mother by running Thomas and his accomplice out of their home.
While the judge handed Thomas, 21, a 35-year sentence on Monday for murdering Mr Ned, Konan, 23, took to YouTube to release his and fellow rapper Krept's song My Story, which retells the night of terror.The video, which you can watch below, has already been viewed more than 300,000 times.
He told the Advertiser: "The hardest part of making this video was writing the song.
"I had to relive all these memories and completely take myself back to that place and the nightmare of what happened.
"It's really helped me through the process. Watching it back was just mad and when I released it on Sunday, it was just like relief flooding through me, that maybe this was going to be all over."
The video shows Karl returning home and barricading himself, his mother, Donna Michael, and his stepdad in a bedroom just before the gunman breaks in.
Mrs Michael was shot in the chest as she begged for her life while Mr Ned, 41, chased the two men out of the house – but he was shot dead at the foot of his stairs.
Konan said: "I began making the film about a year ago but could only release it now that the court case is over. I want to inspire people and tell them that despite what happens, you can still achieve your dreams.
"I'm amazed, it's already had nearly 250,000 views on YouTube in three days. All sorts of performers and TV producers are getting in touch now.
"I want the message of this video to reach as many people as possible. This kind of thing happens in Croydon a lot and people just don't get to hear of it.
"Hopefully this will raise awareness about this kind of violence and put an end to it."
Karl said he and his mum were homeless for a year after the murder in July 2011, when the house was designated a crime scene.
He added: "We couldn't stay there while the police were investigating and we did not want to return afterwards. I only got somewhere to live a year after."
Police arrested Thomas three weeks after the murder.
But he was not charged until August 2012 because of the difficulty in collecting enough evidence.
This was a month after police put out a £20,000 reward, for anyone who came forward with information.
Police are still looking for Thomas's accomplice and have asked anyone with information to call 0208 358 0248 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
CARLTON Ned's wife, Donna Michaels, told the court of her torment via a victim impact statement.
She said: "From the day Carlton was killed my family and I have been trying to come to terms with his death.
"There can be no reason on earth he deserved to die that way. We are just an ordinary family who want to work, come home and to do family things day by day.
"Our house was for us our castle. Now this has been wiped clean by one night of madness.
"Our home was violated that night which resulted in me being shot and wounded and Carlton being killed. I live with the pain of losing my husband prematurely. My family has been devastated with what has occurred.
"This young man has shamed his family, left them with the disgrace and stigma. I am as sad for his family as much as my own."
