News / St Pauls
Vigil held to remember St Paul’s stabbing victim
A vigil has been held in St Paul’s following the fatal stabbing of a local 19-year-old man.
Dozens gathered in Grosvenor Road on Tuesday afternoon to pay tribute to Eddie King Muthemba Kinuthia, who was stabbed on the same street on Friday and later died in hospital.
The group laid candles and let off a balloon in memory of the teenager, as they collectively called for an end to knife crime.
is needed now More than ever
Two people have been arrested and remain in custody in connection with Kinuthia’s death, which police are treating as a murder investigation.
The vigil, which included speeches and songs, was led by Reverend Dawnecia Palmer, the chief commissioner of PEACEMAKERS Prayer and City Safety Patrols.
“We’re sending a strong message, not just in Bristol but across the nation, across the world – no more lives, no more knifes,” said Palmer, leading into a chant.
Also speaking during the event, a local resident said “the whole community loved Eddie like a brother”.
She said: “As a mother and grandmother, I’m feeling this one like Eddie is my own. I’m really feeling it.
“We need to teach these kids and tell them knifes are not cool. We need to keep telling them.”
Kinuthia’s family comforted each other as they watched on emotionally, with one of his cousins addressing the crowd.
The family of Eddie King Muthemba Kinuthia were among the attendees at a vigil for the stabbing victim
She said: “God was so important to him, he gave his life to Christ.
“So I just want to remember him as the positive, uplifting, bright-smiling Eddie he was.
“We love you, we’ll keep remembering you, we’ll keep singing and laughing with you.”
The vigil concluded with attendees lighting candles in a circle, before setting off a balloon with positive messages for Kinuthia attached to it.
A 21-year-old was arrested in Kingswood in connection with Kinuthia’s death on Monday evening, with a 19-year old also arrested overnight in Hanham. Both were arrested on suspicion of murder.
Detective chief inspector Mark Almond said: “This tragedy has been shattering for Eddie’s immediate family and friends and they’re in our thoughts as we work to establish what happened.
“It’s clear from our early enquiries that Eddie was well-liked and popular and people are horrified by his death.
“I’d like to reiterate that while we now do have two people in custody we’re still appealing for witnesses, information and any footage from that night, so that we can get answers for his family.”
All photos & videos: Charlie Watts
Read next:
- Family pays tribute to teenager killed in stabbing
- Vigil planned after fatal stabbing of 19-year-old in St Paul’s
- Man in late teens dies after ‘tragic incident’
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