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Play park renamed after teenager who was killed

BBC A close up shot of the black metal railings around the perimeter of the play park. Attached to the railings is a rectangular purple sign which says 'Eddie King Park' along with the Bristol City Council logo. Beside the sign there are three purple balloons tied to the railings. Inside the park you can see a swing set, climbing frames, see-saw and slide.BBC
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at the park on the eve of Eddie's 21st birthday

A children's playpark has been renamed in honour of a teenager who was stabbed to death.

Eddie Kinuthia was 19 when he was attacked on 21 July 2023, just yards from his home in the Grosvenor Road area of St Pauls, Bristol.

Eddie King Park, formerly Winkworth Place Playground, holds "special memories" for the family, as Eddie and his brothers played there together as children.

More than 100 people attended the official unveiling earlier, which Eddie's brother Elliot described as "a beautiful thing, even though it has come from tragedy".

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to celebrate the park's new name, as well as a commemorative bench inscribed with a plaque dedicated to Eddie.

Google A screenshot from Google street view showing a small children's playpark. There are colourful shapes resembling flowers on the ground, and black metal railings surrounding the perimeter. Inside the park there is a small see-saw, a yellow spiral slide, blue metal benches and several climbing frames. The park is surrounded by bushy trees and in the background there is a brown brick block of flats.Google
Eddie Kinuthia first began playing in the children's park at the age of two

Irene Muthemba said the gesture, courtesy of Bristol City Council, was "more than just a tribute" to her son.

"It's his spirit, his presence, and the relevance of the memories that made them who they are," she said.

"This is a symbol for healing, and for generations to come, a reminder to value life and be kind - to pursue peace and harmony."

Irene and Elliot sitting together on a purple bench dedicated to Eddie at the park. Irene is wearing a long burgundy skirt, a soft blue jacket and a purple scarf. Elliot is wearing sunglasses and a full brown tracksuit under a padded black shiny raincoat. In between them is a big picture of Eddie wearing a suit, green bow tie and a yellow cap, holding a glass of champagne and smiling at the camera.
Ms Muthemba her son Elliot officially unveiled the park's new commemorative bench in honour of Eddie

On the eve of what would have been Eddie's 21st birthday, Ms Muthemba described the event as "bittersweet", because he could not be there to enjoy it.

"When you have a child, you don't expect them to ever leave this earth before you, worst of all in the way that he did," she continued.

"He was robbed of his future, and I was robbed of the joy that we shared as a family.

"But I don't let that defeat me because it would mean we were giving in. Each breath that I take is for him."

Family photo A close-up image of Eddie Kinuthia smiling at the camera. He is wearing a white collared shirt, a black blazer and a yellow cap with a red underside. His hair is twisted into short locks. Family photo
Eddie Kinuthia was remembered for his "kind heart, compassionate spirit, bright smile and hearty laugh"

Elliot Kinuthia said the event had been a "rollercoaster" of emotions, but the large turnout served as a reminder of the positive impact his brother left on the world.

"There's a whole new generation of kids that are going to know this park as Eddie King Park, which is a way for him to transcend beyond our time," he said.

"It's all about trying to stop all this violence and promote a good message for the youth, one of peace and remembrance."

Last Friday, three people appeared before Bristol Magistrates' Court charged with Eddie's murder.

Zachariah Talbert Young, 26, of Easton, Paul Elijah Hayden, 21, of Hanham and Cartell Williams, 28, of no fixed abode, have been remanded into custody ahead of a trial at Bristol Crown Court.

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