At a Glance
- Luis Gabriel Guembes, 15, was stabbed and died at Guildford park on Jan. 19, 2026.
- Two teenagers, aged 15 and 16, were charged with murder, conspiracy to rob and possession of a bladed article.
- The case drew community grief and a GoFundMe campaign highlighting Guembes’ background from Lima, Peru.
Why it matters: The tragic incident underscores the urgency of addressing youth violence in public spaces and the swift legal response to such crimes.
Luis Gabriel Guembes was fatally stabbed in a wooded area of Stoke Park in Guildford on the evening of Monday, Jan. 19, 2026. Police, paramedics and members of the public rushed to the scene, but the 15-year-old was pronounced dead at the location. The incident has prompted an investigation that led to the arrest of two teenage suspects.
Incident Details
The attack occurred in a wooded section of Stoke Park, a popular spot for families and teenagers. Officers arrived shortly after receiving a call about a stabbing. Emergency medical teams and bystanders attempted resuscitation, but the boy could not be revived.
Key facts:
- Date: Jan. 19, 2026
- Location: Stoke Park, Guildford, Surrey
- Victim: Luis Gabriel Guembes, 15
- Outcome: Pronounced dead at the scene
- Immediate response: Police, EMTs, and public volunteers
Investigation and Charges
Surrey Police launched a thorough investigation following the incident. On Friday, Jan. 23, they announced that a 15-year-old boy and a 16-year-old boy, whose names cannot be released due to their ages, were charged with murder, conspiracy to rob and possession of a bladed article.
The charges reflect the suspected motive behind the attack, which authorities described as an attempted robbery that escalated into a fatal assault. The suspects were apprehended at the scene and subsequently booked into custody.
Community Reaction
A GoFundMe page was created by a family friend of the Guembes family. The organizer shared that Luis had moved from Lima, Peru, to London with his mother at a young age in search of hope, opportunity and a better future.
The post described Luis as an “amazing son and an incredible young soul”. It praised him as a devoted student, passionate soccer player, and loving son, noting his bright smile and compassionate heart.
Community members and friends posted messages of condolence, sharing memories of the boy’s kindness and drive. The fundraising campaign aimed to support his family during this difficult time.
Court Proceedings
The two teenage suspects appeared before Guildford Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, as reported by the BBC. They did not enter pleas, a decision noted by court officials.
Judge Catherine Hartley remanded both suspects in custody until their next hearing on Feb. 23, 2026. The court’s decision reflects the seriousness of the charges and the need for continued investigation.
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Jan. 19, 2026 | Luis Gabriel Guembes stabbed and pronounced dead at Stoke Park |
| Jan. 23, 2026 | Police charge two teens with murder, conspiracy to rob and possession of a bladed article |
| Jan. 24, 2026 | Suspects appear in Guildford Magistrates’ Court, no pleas entered |
| Feb. 23, 2026 | Next court date scheduled, suspects remain remanded |
Key Takeaways
- The tragic loss of Luis Gabriel Guembes highlights the vulnerability of public parks to violent incidents.
- Rapid police action led to the arrest and charging of two teenage suspects.
- The community’s response, including a GoFundMe campaign, reflects the personal impact of the tragedy.
- The legal process remains ongoing, with the next court hearing set for Feb. 23, 2026.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance, community support, and swift justice in the face of youth violence.
