Four teenagers have been found guilty of murder in a tragic incident that led to the deaths of two young boys, Charlie Bartolo and Kearne Solanke, both aged 16. The incident occurred on November 26th of the previous year, and it involved a series of violent events that unfolded in Abbey Wood and Thamesmead, leaving the community in shock.
A jury was presented with evidence that Kearne Solanke was part of a gang of five individuals who knocked Charlie Bartolo off his moped using a 4×4 vehicle and subsequently stabbed him in the head. The violent confrontation resulted in the unfortunate death of both young boys.
The trial, which lasted for several months, revealed that the motive behind Charlie Bartolo’s “brutal” killing was related to a “post-code rivalry” between the neighbourhoods of Abbey Wood and Thamesmead. According to prosecutor William Emlyn Jones QC, one of the defendants stabbed his own friend, Kearne Solanke, during the violent altercation. While there is no indication that the defendant intended to harm Kearne, the chaotic nature of the situation led to the tragic outcome.
The incident began with the five teenagers, reportedly armed with numerous knives, travelling in a stolen Nissan Qashqai from Erith. They entered Abbey Wood in search of a victim to attack. Charlie Bartolo and two friends were riding motorbikes on Sewell Road at the time. The car deliberately rammed into Charlie, throwing him over the handlebars and onto the pavement, where he became defenceless.
Kearne Solanke, Alagie Jobe, and the 16-year-old defendant exited the car and used large, almost sword-like knives to attack Charlie as he lay on the ground. The assault, which lasted less than a minute, resulted in Charlie being stabbed eight times, including a fatal blow to the head.
Despite being rushed to Queen Elizabeth Hospital after a 999 call from a member of the public, Charlie Bartolo succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at 6:24 pm.
During the trial, one of the defendants expressed that Charlie was “basically a civilian” and should not have been killed, emphasizing the tragic nature of the incident.
CCTV footage captured moments where Kearne Solanke, Jobe, and the 16-year-old defendant continued their assault, even after the initial attack. Kearne accidentally stumbled and fell as he attempted to pick up his dropped knife. When he got back on his feet, the 16-year-old defendant accidentally stabbed Kearne while aiming for Charlie. Kearne subsequently died from a deep wound to his shoulder.
The defendants then fled the scene, leaving Charlie Bartolo dying on the pavement. They later abandoned the stolen vehicle and Kearne Solanke in Titmuss Avenue, Thamesmead, before making a 999 call for assistance. Despite prompt medical attention, Kearne died at 6:16 pm.
The sentencing for the four teenagers will take place next month, as the community continues to grapple with the tragic consequences of this violent incident.
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