A teenager has been charged with murder after a 15-year-old schoolboy was stabbed to death while picking up his little sister from primary school in Hackney.
Police found Pharrell Garcia collapsed on the ground with fatal stab wounds just after 4pm yesterday at Stellman Close. Despite their best efforts, the boy died at the scene.
Now another teenage boy – who cannot be named for legal reasons – was arrested and has now been charged with his murder.
Police believe the suspect initially fled the scene following the attack.
The boy, also 15, has been remanded and will appear at Stratford Youth Court on Friday, 26 July.
Pharrell Garcia was picking up his little sister from primary school when he was stabbed to death
Emergency services rushed to Stellman Close on Tuesday just after 4pm but sadly Pharrell Garcia sadly died at the scene
Tributes poured in for the teen on social media from shocked friends who said Pharrell always wore ‘a smile on his face’
A forensic tent at the scene in Stellman Close Hackney
Tributes poured in for Pharrall on social media from shocked friends who said he always wore ‘a smile on his face’.
A loved one wrote: ‘Rest in peace bro. I heard this and broke down.
‘You have left your loved ones not just in tears but filled with questions.
‘You always would argue and fight me, make me laugh and walk around with a smile on your face. Can’t really say much other than Rip. Big bro.’
Other friends posted videos of memories they had shared together, with the label ‘LLP. Gonna miss my brother man.’
Detective Chief Superintendent James Conway said Pharrell’s family were ‘understandably heartbroken’ at this ‘unimaginably difficult time’.
He added: ‘I know the community will be searching for answers today and will be shocked and angry at this tragic loss of life.
‘I want them to know that we will do everything in our power to provide those answers and bring those responsible to justice.
Mourners comfort each other as they lay flowers at the scene where Pharrell died
Detective Chief Superintendent James Conway, in charge of policing in Hackney and Hackney mayor Caroline Woodley speaking follow Pharrell’s death
‘Our investigation continues at pace today with officers conducting house-to-house inquiries, reviewing hours of CCTV, and speaking to witnesses.’
Mr Conway said a higher police presence would remain in the area over the coming days and a ‘significant proportion’ of Stellman Close will remain cordoned off, likely for several days, as forensic inquiries continue.
He added: ‘No one should have to lose a child and events this week in London are a sobering reminder of the devastating consequences of knife crime and serious violence.
‘It tears families apart and robs our children of their futures.’
The detective said yesterday: ‘No one should have to lose a child and events this week in London are a sobering reminder of the devastating consequences of knife crime and serious violence. It tears families apart and robs our children of their futures.’
Anyone with information has been asked to call 101 quoting CAD 5387/23Jul, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
This is a breaking news story. More follows.
