Play park renamed after teenager who was killed

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at the park on the eve of Eddie's 21st birthday

A children's playpark has been renamed in honour of a teenager who was stabbed to death.

Eddie Kinuthia was 19 when he was attacked on 21 July 2023, just yards from his home in the Grosvenor Road area of St Pauls, Bristol.

Eddie King Park, formerly Winkworth Place Playground, holds "special memories" for the family, as Eddie and his brothers played there together as children.

More than 100 people attended the official unveiling earlier, which Eddie's brother Elliot described as "a beautiful thing, even though it has come from tragedy".

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to celebrate the park's new name, as well as a commemorative bench inscribed with a plaque dedicated to Eddie.

Eddie Kinuthia first began playing in the children's park at the age of two

Irene Muthemba said the gesture, courtesy of Bristol City Council, was "more than just a tribute" to her son.

"It's his spirit, his presence, and the relevance of the memories that made them who they are," she said.

"This is a symbol for healing, and for generations to come, a reminder to value life and be kind - to pursue peace and harmony."

Ms Muthemba her son Elliot officially unveiled the park's new commemorative bench in honour of Eddie

On the eve of what would have been Eddie's 21st birthday, Ms Muthemba described the event as "bittersweet", because he could not be there to enjoy it.

"When you have a child, you don't expect them to ever leave this earth before you, worst of all in the way that he did," she continued.

"He was robbed of his future, and I was robbed of the joy that we shared as a family.

"But I don't let that defeat me because it would mean we were giving in. Each breath that I take is for him."

Eddie Kinuthia was remembered for his "kind heart, compassionate spirit, bright smile and hearty laugh"

Elliot Kinuthia said the event had been a "rollercoaster" of emotions, but the large turnout served as a reminder of the positive impact his brother left on the world.

"There's a whole new generation of kids that are going to know this park as Eddie King Park, which is a way for him to transcend beyond our time," he said.

"It's all about trying to stop all this violence and promote a good message for the youth, one of peace and remembrance."

Last Friday, three people appeared before Bristol Magistrates' Court charged with Eddie's murder.

Zachariah Talbert Young, 26, of Easton, Paul Elijah Hayden, 21, of Hanham and Cartell Williams, 28, of no fixed abode, have been remanded into custody ahead of a trial at Bristol Crown Court.