Two teens charged in murder of two 16-year-olds who were stabbed to death a mile apart
LONDON, ENGLAND: Two teenagers have been arrested and charged in the brutal murders of two 16-year-old boys, who were barbarically stabbed to death a mile apart in south-east London, the Metropolitan Police said.
Charlie Bartolo was found dead with stab wounds in Sewell Road, Abbey Wood, at around 5.10 pm on Saturday, November 26, while Kearne Solanke was found with similar injuries in Titmuss Avenue, Thamesmead, at around the same time. Despite efforts by police and paramedics, the boys were pronounced dead at the scene. “Despite the best efforts of the emergency services, both boys sadly died,” the force said.
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While investigating, detectives learned that the two murders were linked to each other. The Metropolitan Police said a 16-year-old boy was arrested on Tuesday, November 29, and a 15-year-old boy later in the day. They are due to appear in custody at Bexley Magistrates’ Court on Friday, charged with the murders. "A 16-year-old male and a 15-year-old male will appear in custody at Bromley Magistrates' Court on Friday, December 2 charged with the murder of Charlie Bartolo and Kreane Solanke," the Met said in a statement.
The officials on Friday arrested another 18-year-old man on suspicion of the murders, and who remains in custody at a south London police station. Detective Chief Inspector Kate Blackburn, from the Met's Specialist Crime Command, said, "Today is another step forward in our investigation into this shocking incident but I would reiterate my appeal to anyone who has information about the events that resulted in the deaths of Charlie and Kearne to come forward and speak to the police."
The three arrests came after another 16-year-old was arrested for the crime. However, he has now been released on bail pending further enquires and is due back in a south London police station in February. The spine-chilling case is being investigated by detectives from the Met's Specialist Crime Command, the MET revealed.
The murders have sent a shockwave through the close-knit community of the town. Mourning the deaths, a woman, who knew Charlie, said he was playing with his baby nephew hours before being stabbed. "They were both good kids and were both loved by so many people. They had the same hobbies, they would go on their bikes and that was the main thing they really did. They both knew each other and knew of each other but they were not close friends," she told the SUN.
Tributes for Charlie have been pouring on social media. Charlotte Carter posted a montage of clips of the two together, with a caption, "Rip my beautiful boy. Forever and always will be missed. Love you more than anything I still can't believe it. Until we meet again my lover." She added, "My whole world. I still can't believe it my one and only lover. You'll never be replaced. Always in my heart baby boy."