An extensive investigation by the Met’s Specialist Crime Command led to the conviction and sentencing of three teenagers.
The investigation was launched after a Gabriel Petrov Stoyanov was fatally stabbed in Bromley in 2022.
Alfie Kibble, 18 (18.03.05) of Manor Close, SE28 was sentenced to life imprisonment to serve a minimum of 14 years and nine months.
A 17-year-old male was sentenced to life imprisonment to serve a minimum of 15 years.
A 15-year-old boy was sentenced to six years and eight months.
Both Kibble and the 17-year-old were convicted of the murder of 21-year-old Gabriel Petrov Stoyanov in August after a trial at the Old Bailey. The 15-year-old had been found guilty of manslaughter.
All three were sentenced on Friday, 22 December.
Detective Chief Inspector Kelly Allen, from the Specialist Crime Command, said: “These three teenagers killed a young man for nothing more than revenge for his minor drunken horseplay.
“I am staggered that boys of this age are carrying out targeted and deadly attacks against defenceless victims, which is evident in this case.
“Gabriel’s family and friends have suffered immeasurable pain following his tragic death.
“My team have worked extremely hard both day and night, trawling through hours of CCTV, in order to bring these perpetrators to justice. I am proud of their professionalism and determination to reach this outcome today.”
Speaking after the sentencing, Gabriel’s family said: “No words can explain how painful it has been to lose Gabriel in such a senseless and unnecessary way. Gabriel will always be remembered and we will keep him in our hearts forever. It’s been a long and traumatic process to get to this verdict but we are grateful that justice has been served.”
Detectives launched an investigation after Gabriel was killed following an altercation that broke out between himself and the three teenagers in Bromley on 4 November 2022.
The court heard how Gabriel, who had been out with friends at a pub in Sydenham and intoxicated at the time, had boarded a bus home with his friend, two stops before the defendants got on.
CCTV evidence uncovered that Gabriel tried to engage with the group, and was described in court as acting in an ‘annoying’ manner towards the trio. At one point he had flicked the ear of one of the teenagers. Although at this stage they did not appear to be particularly troubled by Gabriel’s antics, his attention was not welcomed.
Shortly after, Gabriel and his friend got off the bus along Rangefield Road. The three defendants got off two stops later at St Barnabas Hall. Still in close proximity, they took a swift walk back to where Gabriel had left the bus.
They were later seen on CCTV armed with weapons – a knife in the hand of the 17-year-old, a heavy motorbike chain, held by Kibble, and a bottle in the hand of the 15-year-old.
The three defendants spotted Gabriel in a nearby takeaway shop. Here they hid, before they jumped him as he left the premise, launching a violent and deadly attack. The 17-year-old was spotted on CCTV delivering the fatal blow as he stabbed Gabriel in the chest, penetrating his left lung. All three ran off from the scene.
Officers arrived at the location along with colleagues from the London Ambulance Service. Gabriel was taken to hospital, however he sadly died the following day as a result of his injuries.
A post-mortem examination was carried out four days later, which established the cause of death as a single stab wound to the chest.
An extensive investigation led to the subsequent charge of all three defendants. They were all remanded in custody. On Wednesday, 30 August, all three teenagers were convicted for their part in Gabriel’s death.
