CCTV footage capturing the tragic and horrifying moment a 16-year-old boy was killed in Abbey Wood was presented today during a double murder trial. The trial pertains to the deaths of two young teenagers, Charlie Bartolo and Kearne Solanke, both aged 16, who were found with stab injuries approximately one mile apart in Abbey Wood and Thamesmead on November 26 of the previous year.
The murder trial began on November 9, and it involves four teenagers who are accused of being involved in both murders. Shockingly, the jury was informed that Kearne Solanke, one of the victims, was allegedly part of the gang that forcibly knocked Charlie off his moped using a 4×4 vehicle, after which he was brutally stabbed in the head.
In a grim turn of events, Kearne is believed to have been accidentally stabbed by one of his own friends during the violent altercation. The jury was shown harrowing CCTV footage capturing the moments leading up to the tragedy. The footage revealed Charlie shouting “no, no, no” after being knocked off his bike and then being approached by his attackers wielding knives. It also depicted the moment when Kearne appeared to have been injured by a stray knife.
Prosecutor William Emlyn Jones continued to present the case to the jury in the afternoon, describing the aftermath of the attack. He stated, “This should be a moment of celebration and excitement – after all, they had gone on an armed trip into Abbey Wood and found and stabbed someone from that rival territory.” However, he went on to convey that the celebrations would have taken a tragic turn as they realized Kearne was seriously injured.
Kearne was dropped onto the pavement on Titmuss Avenue, and the car drove off before one of the 16-year-old defendants exited the vehicle. The teenager rushed back to Kearne’s side and called 999 using a borrowed phone, giving his name as John Brady during the call. Heart-wrenchingly, he was heard pleading with Kearne to “stay with me,” but Kearne ultimately succumbed to a fatal wound to his shoulder at the scene.
Mr. Emlyn Jones also revealed the extent of Charlie’s injuries, explaining that he had suffered approximately eight separate stab wounds, including one to the top of his head. The wound on his head, 8cm long on the surface, had penetrated his skull, causing contusions and subarachnoid hemorrhage, ultimately leading to his tragic death.
While CCTV footage from the incident did not show the faces of the attackers, officers conducted a thorough examination of CCTV footage from earlier that day to identify the individuals in the vehicle. The prosecution presented various pieces of evidence, including Snapchat footage recorded by Kearne himself just moments before the fatal attack, in which he was seen vaping in the vehicle.
Additionally, phone mast data linked the four defendants to the scene on Sewell Road. All four defendants have denied involvement in both murders.
The trial, taking place at Inner London Crown Court, is ongoing, as the court seeks to uncover the truth behind this heart-wrenching and deeply tragic incident.
