Man, 50, charged with murder after ‘security guard, 52, stabbed to death’ inside shopping centre as friends pay tribute
A 52-YEAR-OLD security guard who was stabbed to death at a shopping centre has been named as cops charge a man with murder.
Emergency services swooped on Centre MK in Milton Keynes, yesterday evening after reports a man was stabbed.
Gary Stanley, 52, was found with stab wounds at the scene and was sadly pronounced dead a short time later.
A 50-year-old man from Towcester was arrested on suspicion of murder.
Rory Wilson, formerly known as Rikki Alexander Stewart, aged 50, has now been charged with one count of murder and one count of possessing a knife in a public place.
He is due to appear at Milton Keynes Magistrates’ Court tomorrow morning.
Thames Valley Police confirmed they are not looking for anyone else in connection with this investigation.
The force said the victim’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained family liaison officers.
Stanley’s brother told The Sun that the family were “still in shock” and requested privacy at this time.
Poignant tributes have poured in on social media for the much-loved security guard.
One tribute claimed: “Gary had been murdered while doing his job yesterday, while protecting others. Taken in an instant.
“Gary was a gentle giant. A man who worked hard, loved deeply, and would help anyone without hesitation.
“The kind of man you felt safe around. The kind you don’t replace.”
Another tribute read: “Rest in peace to a valued member of our Milton Keynes Gary Stanley who sadly lost his life today.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and everyone affected.
“Tonight we light a candle in his memory. Gone too soon, but never forgotten.”
Gary – who was affectionately known as Stan by some pals – is understood to have left behind his wife, son and two grandchildren.
Another tribute read: “I’m so gutted to find out the news that Gary was taken from us today.
“I worked alongside this kind man on the doors for many years and he was always calm, fair and funny, how could anyone take your life like that while you were simply doing your job.”
A former colleague said: “I’d always bump into Stan at the shopping centre whenever he was on shift and he’d always have a bright smile and a relaxed attitude, the perfect strength for a security professional .
“It’s so hard to believe I’ll now walk around the CMK Shopping Centre and not see his rosy face smiling at me and having a quick life catch up. I’m sure I’m not alone in saying thank you to you Stan, for your friendship, laughs and memories.
“Genuinely one of the kindest and professional Door Supervisors we’ve had the pleasure of knowing. Rest easy Stan.”
Chief Superintendent Emma Baillie, Local Commander for Milton Keynes, said: “We are in the very early stages of this murder investigation, but we have made an arrest and are we are not currently looking for anyone else.
“There is no known threat to the wider public.
“Members of the public are likely to see an increased police presence while we continue to investigate and we would advise anyone with any concerns to please speak to one of our uniformed officers.”
