Mum of Killer Who Shot Met Police Officer Matt Ratana Speaks Out
Elizabeth de Zoysa shares her feelings about her son’s life sentence for killing Sgt Matt Ratana in Croydon
Crime
Croydon, London, Matt Ratana, Louis De Zoysa, Murder, Police
Croydon: Elizabeth de Zoysa talked about her son’s actions. Louis De Zoysa, 26, was convicted of murdering Met Police Sgt Matt Ratana, 54. This happened at a police station in Croydon, south London.
Elizabeth appeared on the show “Mums of Murderers.” She discussed the emotional burden she carries from her son’s crime. Sgt Ratana was shot twice and died in the hospital. He was the first police officer killed inside a UK police station.
One bullet hit his neck, causing a stroke and brain damage. Elizabeth mentioned her son’s autism and her shock at his disabilities. She believes he should be in a secure hospital instead of prison.
When she learned about her son’s crime, she felt absolute shock. She wondered how she could have given birth to someone who did this. Elizabeth said, “All offenders have families. You love your child no matter what.”
She questioned how Louis got a gun into the custody suite. Elizabeth felt overwhelmed and wanted to hide. She attended the trial to represent her son and show respect to the victim’s family.
Her son’s crime changed her life. Some friends didn’t know how to react. Some blamed her, while others were supportive. She often thought about what she could have done differently.
During sentencing, the judge told Louis he knew the gun worked. He concealed the gun from police and focused their attention on cannabis instead. The judge stated that autism was not to blame for his actions.