Teenage thugs guilty of killing tragic Kayden Moy facing life in prison
- Rory Cassidy
- Jun 5
- 2 min read
Three teenage thugs convicted of murdering tragic Kayden Moy are facing life sentences over the killing.
Jay Stewart and a 15-year-old boy were convicted today, Friday, June 5, 2026, following a trial at the High Court in Glasgow, while Cole Turley pleaded guilty last month.
All three now face a life sentence over the stabbing of 16-year-old Kayden, from East Kilbride, Lanarkshire, at Irvine beach, in Ayrshire, in May last year.
Turley and Stewart, who are 18 but were 17 at the time, fled the scene and made their way back to East Kilbride.
They disposed of the knife used in the killing and got rid of their bloodstained clothes, while Kayden was rushed to hospital.
He passed away in hospital following the attack, which took place after scores of teens descended on the Ayrshire beach on Saturday, May 17, 2025, amid good weather.
Police Scotland set up a Major Incident Public Portal during the murder probe, and the force has said it was key to solving the crime.
The force said it was set up to receive images and footage from members of the public and proved invaluable and allowed detectives to build a picture of evidence.
The information received through the portal allowed the officers investigating the attack on Kayden to make arrests.
Speaking after the guilty verdicts today, Kayden’s parents, Paul and Ashley said: “Kayden was an amazing, caring boy who lit up every room he walked into.
"He brought happiness to everyone around him. Every morning we wake up and are faced again with the reality that he is gone.
"We will never hear his laugh again, never see his smile, never watch him achieve the goals he worked so hard for.
"We miss Kayden every minute of every day. He was loved beyond measure and will be forever missed.
Detective Chief Inspector Campbell Jackson, senior investigating officer, said: "My thoughts very much remain with Kayden’s family for their devastating loss.
"Kayden’s death highlights the devastating impact of knife crime, not only on individuals, but for families and our wider communities.
"Kayden was robbed of his future that day and his family and friends were robbed of a future with him. The actions of others means he will never grow up into adulthood."
Superintendent Graeme Gallie of Police Scotland Ayrshire Division said: “We care deeply about violence and how it affects the communities we serve.
"It’s important people know that Scotland remains a safe place to live and work. Fewer than one in five violent crimes involves an accused person under the age of 18.
"Over the past year we have stood up Operation Stardrop, which oversees and coordinates diversionary efforts alongside our partners to address the root causes of violence and safeguard children and young people from committing or become victims of violent crime."
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