Published: Thursday, 8th May, 2008 14:00
Junior had his whole life in front of him
By Lucy Thorne
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EXACTLY a week after the murder of teenager Robert Spence police will be hoping to jog memories in an appeal for witnesses.
Robert, known as Junior and Bevels, died of a single stab wound to the heart in the early hours of last Friday [2] morning after an incident outside Burger King in Reading’s St Mary’s Butts.
Officers will be at the scene from 3am talking to revellers.
The former Ryeish Green pupil’s body was found slumped outside the entrance to the Royal Berkshire Hospital’s accident and emergency unit.
This week family and friends paid tribute to the 17-year-old who was “always smiling” and “had a heart of gold”.
Ryeish Green headteacher Jenny Garner spoke of the “alarming increase in knife and gun crime on our streets” and how she hopes Junior’s death will be a catalyst to put a stop to teenagers carrying knives.
Junior’s mother Sandra Blake remembered “a hard working boy, very helpful and always smiling, he wasn’t a trouble maker. He was well mannered and respectful to others”.
Mrs Garner added: “Junior had everything to live for, with his whole life in front of him. His death is senseless and should never have happened. Nothing will bring him back - but if Junior’s fate deters other young people from carrying knives or any other weapon in the future, then his death will not have been in vain.
“The tragic news has devastated staff and students at the school, we are grateful that we knew him and were able to play a part in his short but very precious life. Robert had many good qualities. He was always polite and particularly enjoyed sport.”
Junior left the Spencer’s Wood school at the end of last summer after having successfully studying a broad range of subjects as part of its vocational curriculum.
Dozens of floral tributes to the Burghfield Common teenager have been left at St Mary’s Butts.
His younger sister Daniella paid tribute to “the best brother in the world” .
She said: “I never thought this day would come so soon but it has.
“I wish I could turn back the hands of time but we all know that ent gonna [sic] to happen. I can’t come to terms that you’re not here, it all seems so fake. I think I would just see you some day out and about, but I won’t.
“I love you so much and I miss you already. All our memories and past will stay in my heart til [sic] I am with you, then we can look forward to the future. If I had one wish it would be to have you here with us. It’s just a big shock to everyone that you’re gone. I can’t wait to see you in heaven, I love you with all my heart.”
One friend Sarah wrote: “Bevels, None of this don’t seem right, it all seems surreal. I can’t believe you’re gone. I’ll never have out silly chats on MSN or arguments about who owes you drinks. You had a heart of gold and were so kind, you made me feel so much better when I was down. Thanks for everyfin [sic]. You’re in a better place now. Be happy and I’ll see you soon.”
Sweetgyaliee left this message on our website “Junior was a great person full of laughter. He was a funny loyal person to his friends. He used to crack me jokes in my ICT lessons at Ryeish Green. He was always there for his sister Daniella and we respect him for that.
“Bevels you’ll be greatly missed and forever remembered.
“I remember the jokes at the fair on Friday the 25th. Almost the people we chilled wiv frm Ryeish green was there feels likes we was saying good bye to you. Rest in peace....x”
Two other men who were also seriously injured in the incident, and believed to be in their late teens or early 20s, are recovering well and are due to leave hospital soon.
Det Chief Insp Stan Gilmour said: “We will be carrying out anniversary checks as part of our investigation.
“We will be appealing for witnesses and information and we will be distributing witness appeal leaflets to people out and about in the town centre.
“We are actively pursuing a number of lines of inquiry, however our investigation is at an early stage and it is vitally important that anyone who was in Reading in the early hours of last Friday morning or witnessed the incident or anyone who has any information about what happened contacts the incident room as soon as possible.”
Contact the incident room on 0845 8 505 505, quoting URN 855 2/5/08 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
*Two men, a 26-year-old and 27-year-old, both from High Wycombe were arrested and later released without charge.
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