Woodford murder: Brother of 16-year-old stabbed to death tells of heartbreak as police offer £10k reward

The brother of a murdered teenager has spoken of his family's heartbreak as Scotland Yard offered a £10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of a fifth suspect in the incident. Munashe "Charlie" Kutyauripo, 16, died after he was stabbed in the chest after a row outside a social club in Woodford, east London on 9 January.

Detectives believe he was involved in an altercation with Aaron Alexander Tavares-Gaiete, also aged 16, who fled the scene and left Charlie in a pool of blood. Despite efforts by friends and paramedics to save his life, Charlie died of his wounds.

Police have now identified Tavares-Gaiete as a prime suspect and have offered a £10,000 reward for any information leading to his arrest. He was last seen in Snakes Lane East, Woodford.

Speaking for the first time about the murder, Charlie's brother, Dennis, 21, said: "Charlie was someone I turned to all the time. He was younger than I am but in my whole life I have not met anyone who understood me like he did.

"Imagine being in this situation, where something terrible has happened to you and you don't know the reasons behind it. As much as you try to move on from the situation you can't do it because you don't know how it happened in the first place.

"We are appealing to anybody to come forward with information because it could have happened to their family. If this happened to them I am sure they would want answers too.

"The situation breaks you every time and we really cannot move forward at the moment."

Charlie, a student from Collier Row in Havering, was at the social club in Ashton Playing Fields for a friend's 16th birthday and was seen leaving the party at about 9.35pm with someone police now believe to be Tavares-Gaiete. While outside the club, Charlie was involved in an altercation with Tavares-Gaiete as four other teenage boys looked on. During that altercation Charlie was stabbed once.

Four people have so far been arrested in connection with the investigation. Two 17-year-old boys were arrested on suspicion of murder at separate addresses in east London on 16 January, both bailed pending further enquiries. On 19 January, two men both aged 18 were arrested on suspicion of murder and bailed to a date early March.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Lawson, who is leading the investigation, said: "As part of our efforts to trace Aaron there is now a reward of £10,000 for any information that leads to his arrest.

"I am sure that there are people out there who know where Aaron is and are helping him, by offering a place to stay or money. If you are doing that through loyalty to Aaron it's important that you understand that you leave yourself open to arrest, assisting an offender is a serious offence.

"If you are worried about speaking out and contacting the police, then we can offer you support, reassurance and also confidentiality. If you know where Aaron is, or have information about who may be helping him then please get in touch with us.

"I know that Aaron's family are growing increasingly concerned about where he is, and I would urge Aaron to get in touch with us so we can speak to him and reassure his family that he is safe and well. Charlie's family deserve answers, they are devastated by his loss, and they want answers.

"We will continue with our efforts to find Aaron and piece together exactly what led to the disagreement that night that has had such tragic consequences."

Tavares-Gaiete is described as black, 5ft 10ins tall, of slim build with facial hair. When last seen, he was wearing a dark hooded jacket with a yellow motif on the left sleeve, dark coloured trousers and trainers. He was also carrying a distinctive black 'man bag' with a white Nike logo.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Investigation Team on 020 8358 0200, the police non-emergency line on 101 or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.