The mother of alleged murder victim Kieran Williams spoke today of her grief and grief.
The 18-year-old’s body was found in Sunderland on Thursday, around six weeks after he disappeared from his home in the city.
Two men have now appeared in court for Kieran’s murder.
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And today her grieving mother, Tracey, spoke of her agony.
Paying tribute to her son in a statement, she said: ‘My beautiful boy – Kieran had the most beautiful smile and eyes that would light up a room.
(Image: Craig Connor/ChronicleLive)
“He was such a happy, lucky boy who loved life and was always smiling, doing his boxing stance and listening to his music.
“We are devastated – absolutely heartbroken and crushed.
“We can’t believe we’ll never see him again. Our lives will never be the same again. »
Kieran had studied at Sunderland College and a college spokeswoman described him as a “popular student”.
She said: “We were deeply shocked and saddened to learn of Kieran’s passing. Kieran, who left university in 2021, was a popular student. We send our sincere condolences to his family and friends.”
Ben Cook, 19, and Louis Hackett, 19, allegedly murdered Kieran Williams, 18, on April 18 and made their first appearance at Newcastle Crown Court this week.
Kieran was reported missing from his home on the West Esplanade in Sunderland on April 18. After an extensive search operation, his body was found in Pallion near the Northern Spire Bridge.
Cook, of Fordfield Road, Sunderland, and Hackett, of Fordenbridge Square, Sunderland, appeared in court on video links from police custody. A tentative trial date has been set for October with a time estimate of 10 days. There were no bail applications and the two were remanded in custody again.
Judge Paul Sloan QC told them: “I adjourn your case for a further preliminary hearing on July 5. I have also set your trial date for October 31st.
“If you have committed an offense arising from this allegation, the sooner you notify the court, the better it will be for you, the more credit you will receive, the less severe the punishment will be. The more time you will allow to tell the court whether you have committed an offence, the more serious it is for you, the more severe the punishment will be.”
Two men, aged 20 and 28, a woman aged 46, also arrested as part of the investigation, remain on police bail.
Det Insp Matt Steel of the Northumbria Police Major Investigation Team is leading the investigation into Kieran’s death.
He said: ‘Our deepest condolences continue to be with Tracey and Kieran’s family at this extremely difficult time.
“We will continue to support them in any way we can.”
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