Man charged with two murders over music video stabbings

Leonardo Reid, 15, and a 23-year-old man were stabbed to death in north London on June 29.

A suspect has been charged with murder of the fatal stabbings of a 15-year-old boy and a 23-year-old man in north London (Lucy North/PA) (PA Wire)

Detectives investigating the deaths of a 15-year-old boy and a 23-year-old man who were killed while making a music video have charged a suspect with two counts of murder.

The two victims died after witnesses saw a fight break out among a group of around 40 people who had been filming on their phones and posing with luxury cars in Elthorne Road, Islington, north London, on Thursday June 29.

Abel Chunda, 27, of Highgate Hill, Archway, north London, is due to appear at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday accused of murdering Leonardo Reid, 15, and the 23-year-old who has not yet been named by police.

He has also been charged with one count of attempted murder after a 28-year-old man suffered a non life-threatening stab injury, and possession of an offensive weapon.

Witnesses described how they were kept awake as the group played the same song on repeat and filmed on their phones before a “commotion” broke out.

Leonardo was pronounced dead at the scene, while the 23-year-old man was taken to hospital but later died.

Police have asked anyone with information to call 101 or tweet @MetCC quoting reference CAD 9383/29Jun, or, to remain anonymous, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or online.