Two boys, 15 & 16, charged with murder after teen, 15, stabbed to death in park

TWO teenagers have been charged with murder after a talented young footballer was tragically found stabbed to death at a popular park.

Cops launched an investigation after “loving” Luis Guembes, 15, was discovered dead in Guildford, Surrey, on Monday evening.

Tributes have poured in for the 15-year-old, who was discovered with “serious injuries” and received immediate treatment.

Despite the best efforts of medics and members of the public who assisted, Luis, also known as Gabriel, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Surrey Police later arrested two teenagers, aged 15 and 16, in connection with Gabriel’s death.

The teens have since been charged with murder, conspiracy to rob and possession of a bladed article.

They are set to appear at Guildford Magistrates’ Court today.

The force said: “Two teenage boys have been charged with murder following a fatal stabbing in Stoke Park, Guildford on Monday, 19 January.

“A 15-year-old boy and a 16-year-old boy, who cannot be named because of their age, were charged with murder, conspiracy to rob, and possession of a bladed article, on Friday, 23 January.

“They will appear at Guildford Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, 24 January.”

Gabriel, originally from Peru, was a student at All Hallows Catholic School in nearby Farnham.

Posting a touching tribute, family friend Michelle Alayon hailed the youngster as “an incredible young soul”.

She wrote: “Gabriel was an amazing son and an incredible young soul. He was kind, bright, driven, and full of promise.

“A devoted student, passionate soccer player, and loving son, Gabriel had a smile that could light up a room and a heart that touched everyone he met.

“He was deeply loved and will be forever missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.”

Ms Alayon has since set up a GoFundMe page to support Gabriel’s family.

She explained how the teen had moved to the UK as a youngster with his mum for “a better future”.

His dad, who he has regular contact with, lives in Miami, Florida.

She added: “We are humbly asking for the support of our community to help cover funeral expenses…

“…. and help ease the overwhelming financial burden facing this family during a time of profound sorrow.”

Surrey Police confirmed the victim’s relatives are being supported by specially-trained officers during this “desperately sad time.”

Emergency services – including police, ambulance and fire crews – were scrambled to Stoke Park near the A25 Parkway at around 6.10pm.

A murder investigation into the death was launched by the Surrey and Sussex Police Major Crime Team.

One resident, who has lived in Guildford for around 25 years and regularly walks her dog in the area at night, said the incident was “very alarming”.

She said: “It’s absolutely terrible… I’ve never heard of anything like this happening in Guildford – particularly in this area.

“It’s just awful. I walk in this park in the evening, even later than 6pm, so it’s very alarming as well.”

Detective Chief Superintendent White reassured concerned locals that teams were working “at pace” to bring those responsible to justice.

She said: “We received a report that a 15-year-old boy had been stabbed in the woods in Stoke Park in Guildford.

“Sadly, despite the best efforts of emergency services and members of the public at the location, he died shortly afterwards.

“A murder investigation, led by the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team, is underway.

“We appreciate that this incident would’ve caused shock and concern amongst our local communities.

“Although the circumstances of the boy’s death are not clear, this is a fast-moving investigation and we are pursuing a number of lines of enquiry.

“We would ask that people don’t speculate about what has happened while we work through these enquiries.”

Julia McShane, leader of Guildford Borough Council, also paid tribute to the teenager.

She said: “I am shocked and saddened at this tragic event. The loss of a young life in this way is utterly devastating.

“My heart goes out to their family and friends at this desperately sad time.”