Three teenagers have been sentenced to jail for the murder of a 16-year-old boy who was fatally stabbed on a beach in North Ayreshire. Jay Stewart, aged 19, Cole Turley, aged 18, and a 15-year-old boy, whose identity is protected by law, were found guilty of killing Kayden Moy on Irvine beach on May 17, 2025. They were each given minimum detention periods of 16, 16, and 14 years, respectively.
Turley confessed to the crime, while Stewart and the 15-year-old were convicted of murder after a trial at the High Court in Glasgow. The trio were associated with the ‘Murray Boys’ gang in East Kilbride, South Lanarkshire, while the victim and his peers were linked to the Himshie group in East Kilbride.
During the trial, witnesses testified that the attackers had been throwing rocks at people on the beach before the fatal altercation. Kayden confronted the teenagers after they pelted rocks, leading to a violent confrontation where Turley used a knife and Stewart wielded a baton, resulting in Kayden’s tragic death.
The judge, Lord Scott, condemned the assailants for premeditating the attack and showed no regard for the victim’s life. Stewart and Turley were sentenced to a minimum of 16 years in detention, while the 15-year-old received a minimum of 14 years.
In a victim impact statement, Kayden’s family expressed profound grief over his loss, stating that he was deeply loved and will be dearly missed. The victim’s father, Paul Moy, emphasized the irreplaceable void left by his son’s death and the quest for justice and accountability to honor his memory.
The sentencing marked a somber moment for Kayden’s loved ones, underscoring the enduring pain caused by the tragic incident.