Second Teenager Charged in Hackney Murder of Brayan David Saldarriaga 2026 East London

Key Points

• A 17-year-old teenager has been charged with murder and possession of an offensive weapon in the death of Brayan David Saldarriaga in Hackney
• The second teenager will appear at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 9 June 2026
• A 16-year-old was previously charged on Friday, 29 May with murder and possession of a bladed article
• Brayan, from Haringey, died at the scene on Monday, 25 May after being found with stab wounds in Poplar Close
• Police were called at 19:17hrs to reports of a large gathering and disorder in Towpath Walk, E9
• Emergency services including London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance attended the scene
• Both teenagers cannot be named due to their age under UK youth justice laws
• Brayan’s next-of-kin continue to receive support from specialist officers

Hackney (East London Times) June 9, 2026 –Towpath Walk, E9, East London – A second teenager has been charged with the murder of Brayan David Saldarriaga in Hackney, marking a significant development in the investigation into the young man’s death earlier this month. The 17-year-old, who cannot be named because of his age under UK youth justice legislation, was also charged with possession of an offensive weapon on Monday, 8 June 2026.

As reported by the Metropolitan Police, the teenager will appear at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 9 June 2026.

This charge follows the earlier charging of a 16-year-old, who also cannot be named because of his age, on Friday, 29 May 2026. The 16-year-old was charged with murder and possession of a bladed article and appeared at Thames Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, 30 May 2026.

How Did Emergency Services Respond to the Incident Where Brayan Died?

Police were called at 19:17hrs on Monday, 25 May 2026 to reports of a large gathering and disorder in Towpath Walk, E9, according to Metropolitan Police records. Officers attended the scene alongside the London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance, creating a multi-agency emergency response to the incident.

Upon arrival, emergency personnel found Brayan, from Haringey, with stab wounds in Poplar Close, a nearby location in the same East London area. Despite the efforts of emergency services, including the specialized medical teams from London’s Air Ambulance, Brayan died at the scene.

The rapid response from multiple emergency services highlights the severity of the incident and the critical nature of the injuries sustained.

What Are the Legal Proceedings for Both Charged Teenagers?

The legal proceedings for both teenagers have followed the standard protocol for youth defendants in the UK justice system. The 16-year-old first appeared at Thames Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, 30 May 2026, while the 17-year-old is scheduled to appear at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 9 June 2026.

Both teenagers cannot be named because of their age, a protection afforded under the Children and Young Persons Act 1933 and subsequent amendments to UK youth justice law.

This legal protection prevents the identification of defendants under 18 years old in criminal proceedings, unless specific circumstances override this protection.

The charges against both teenagers include murder and possession of weapons – the 16-year-old faces charges for possession of a bladed article, while the 17-year-old faces charges for possession of an offensive weapon. These distinctions in weapon terminology reflect different legal classifications under UK weapon possession laws.

What Support Is Being Provided to Brayan’s Family?

Brayan’s next-of-kin continue to receive support from specialist officers, as confirmed by the Metropolitan Police.

This support typically includes dedicated liaison officers who provide guidance through the criminal justice process, assistance with funeral arrangements if needed, and ongoing welfare support during the investigation and court proceedings.

The specialist officer support system is part of the Metropolitan Police’s victim care protocol, which ensures that families of homicide victims receive appropriate emotional and practical support throughout what is often a lengthy and difficult process.

This support continues regardless of the stage of the investigation or court proceedings.

Where Did the Incident Take Place in East London?

The incident occurred in the Poplar Close area of Hackney, near Towpath Walk in the E9 postcode district of East London. This location is in the broader Hackney council area, which has seen various community safety initiatives over recent years. The E9 postcode covers parts of Lower Merton and surrounding areas in East London.

The proximity of Towpath Walk and Poplar Close indicates the incident happened in a residential area of East London, where such disorder and violent incidents are comparatively rare.

The large gathering and disorder that prompted the police call suggest the incident may have involved multiple individuals, though only two teenagers have been charged with murder so far.

Background: The Development of the Hackney Murder Investigation

The murder investigation into Brayan David Saldarriaga’s death began immediately after police were called to Towpath Walk, E9 on Monday, 25 May 2026.

The Metropolitan Police’s Homicide and Major Crime Unit would have taken lead on this investigation, working alongside local Hackney police teams.

The timeline of charges shows a systematic approach to the investigation. The first teenager (16-year-old) was charged on Friday, 29 May, just four days after the incident.

The second teenager (17-year-old) was charged on Monday, 8 June, approximately 14 days after the initial incident. This timeline suggests investigators gathered sufficient evidence to support murder charges against both individuals within a relatively short period.

The involvement of London’s Air Ambulance indicates the critical nature of Brayan’s injuries. London’s Air Ambulance service typically responds to serious trauma cases where immediate specialized medical intervention could save lives.

Their attendance, combined with the London Ambulance Service, demonstrates the multi-agency response to what was clearly a serious violent incident.

The charges of murder alongside weapon possession charges (bladed article and offensive weapon) indicate prosecutors believe both teenagers were directly involved in the fatal attack.

Under UK law, possession of a bladed article in public is illegal under the Criminal Justice Act 1988, while offensive weapon possession is covered under the Prevention of Crime Act 1953.

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Prediction: How This Development Can affect East London Communities and Families

This development will significantly affect East London communities, particularly in Hackney and surrounding areas like Haringey where Brayan lived.

The charging of two teenagers with murder in a local violent incident will likely impact community confidence and safety perceptions in the E9 postcode area.

For families in East London, especially parents of teenagers, this case will raise concerns about youth violence and weapon possession in their communities.

The fact that two teenagers under 18 were involved in a fatal stabbing may prompt increased discussions about youth safety, weapon education, and community supervision among local families.

The local community in Towpath Walk and Poplar Close areas may experience heightened anxiety about public safety, particularly regarding large gatherings and disorder.

Residents might be more likely to report suspicious activities to police, potentially increasing community-police engagement but also possibly creating tension if residents feel their area is being targeted for increased surveillance.

For Brayan’s family and friends from Haringey, the court proceedings will mark the beginning of a lengthy legal process.

The support from specialist officers will be crucial as they navigate court dates, potential trials, and the emotional impact of seeing two teenagers face murder charges for their loved one’s death.

The East London community may also see increased calls for local council interventions, including improved youth services, community safety initiatives, and potentially enhanced police presence in areas where large gatherings occur. Hackney Council may face pressure to address underlying issues that contribute to youth violence in the area.

Local schools in Hackney and Haringey may need to address this incident with students, providing guidance on violence prevention, weapon safety, and the legal consequences of participating in violent incidents. This could become part of broader school safety programs across East London.