Murder case remains unsolved one year on from fatal stabbing of 19-year-old

Cops investigating the fatal stabbing of a 19-year-old in Bromley continue to appeal for witnesses and information a year on from the attack.

A murder investigation was launched after police were called to reports of a stabbing in Jubilee Country Park close to Tent Peg Lane in Petts Wood, at around 2.30pm on September 20, 2023.

Officers and the Kent Air Ambulance attended. Despite their efforts, Max Moy Wheatley died at the scene.

A post-mortem examination held on September 22, 2023, gave the cause of death as a stab wound to the heart.

In a statement, Max’s sister, who did not want to be named, said: “Max may have been 19 but he was just a kid, a kind boy who would have helped anyone if he could. Max loved music and spending time with his family and friends. 

“Max wasn’t a horrible boy, he was young and carefree, he hated confrontation and was often a peacemaker between his friends and he would never hurt anyone as he had a strong sense of right and wrong.”

Billy Jay Benton, 18, of Playgreen Way, Bellingham, and Arvie-Ray Mehmet, 19, of Arnulf Street, Bellingham, were both charged with murder last October.

But Detective Inspector Adam Guttridge, leading the investigation, said: “Despite two arrests, we still need to hear from anyone who may have information relating to the murder of Max.

“I am especially keen to hear from anyone who has information about the incident or those involved. 

“We also need to hear from anyone who was in Jubilee Park at the key time and has not yet contacted police.”

Max’s sister said the family has been stuck in a “constant state of despair” since her brother’s stabbing.

She said: “Just for a moment I ask you to put yourself in our shoes. We currently have no answers or understanding of why my brother was cruelly and brutally murdered as he walked through a quiet park in Petts Wood. 

“We didn’t get the opportunity to hold his hand or comfort him in his last moments as he never left the park alive. 

“As Max’s older sister, I’m asking you to think back to that day – if there was any information that could help us as a family get justice for my little brother, and a small piece of closure for my family, please contact the police.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101, quoting reference CAD 3972/20Sep2023, or to contact the investigation team on 020 7175 2206.

If you have footage or images, these can be uploaded here.

To remain anonymous, contact the independent charity, Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.

Pictured top: Max Moy Wheatley (Picture: The Met)