Family of young man stabbed to death ‘in agony’ over delayed murder trial

The family of a man who was stabbed to death have said they are “in agony” over delays to his murder trial, which is preventing them from burying him in his home country.

Gabriel Stoyanov, 21, was stabbed to death in Bromley Road, Downham, in November last year. Three people, one 14-year-old boy and one 16-year-old boy, and an 18-year-old man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, all await trial, charged with his murder.

But Gabriel’s mum and aunt have described the pain they have endured since the tragic November day while they wait for a trial that will not take place until July 31. The family wants to take Gabriel’s body home to Bulgaria, but cannot do so until the trial ends.

Gabriel’s mum Marianna Petrova said: “It pains me deeply to consider the possibility that this agonising wait for the trial to commence could extend until July 31.

“I had mentally prepared myself for it to begin on May 15 and this ongoing uncertainty is taking a severe toll on my well-being.

“Gab’s remains cannot be laid to rest as of yet, as I am unable to obtain an official death certificate until the trial concludes.

“Having the death certificate is the only way I can repatriate my son’s remains to his home country and hold a memorial in his honour.

“I maintain faith in the justice system of this country, understanding that there is nothing I can do to expedite the process, but the prolonged wait is very painful for the whole family and all his friends.

“I trust that justice will be served for Gab, hopefully soon.”

At a hearing in November, a judge assigned to the case initially told Gabriel’s family a trial would be heard on May 2, then changed it to May 15.

But on Thursday of last week, four days before the trial was set to begin, they were told that there were no judges available.

The trial was rearranged for this coming Tuesday (May 23) but has since been postponed until July 31.

In London, crown courts are dealing with more than a quarter of the nation’s 60,898 backlog of cases.

Gabriel’s aunt, Daniela Miteva, said: “We were in the room with him in the hospital when he died. Every morning I wake up and I am back in that room with him.

“I’m sick. You’re not prepared for anything like that, especially someone so young. Dealing with his funeral was the hardest thing for me ever. I’m an event planner and listening to myself plan this made me feel sick.

“He had a sparkling personality and infinite goodness in his heart and was loved by many. He was just accepted to a college and was looking forward to this new adventure in his life, when his life was taken in this very brutal and cruel way.

“He had a wonderful sense of humour, a laid back nature. An Arsenal fan, he was very compassionate, and always ready to help others.”

Mariana has since partnered with the Ben Kinsella Trust to help combat knife crime in London through a fundraising campaign.

Mariana added: “I am so grateful that God sent him to me. He taught me to be a mother, we grew together in life.

“We went through many challenges together, through good and bad. He made me the person I am today. Now he will always stay 21. Gabriel, I will love you until my last breath.”

The Ministry of Justice has been approached for comment.

Pictured top: From left, Gabriel Stoyanov with his grandmother Gaila Petrova and mother Marina Petrova (Picture: Family handout)