Parents of Kayden Moy say 'we miss him every minute' as teens are convicted of murdering 16-year-old

Kayden Moy's parents have said they "miss him every minute of every day" after three teens were convicted of murdering him on Irvine beach last year and thanked officers for bringing those responsible to justice. Jay Stewart, 18 and a 15-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, were found guilty of murdering the 16-year-old from East Kilbride at the High Court in Glasgow on Friday (June 5). Cole Turley, 18, pleaded guilty to murder on May 18. Kayden died in hospital after being stabbed on Irvine beach on Saturday, May, 17, 2025.

Turley and Stewart, who were both 17 at the time, and the then 14-year-old travelled back to East Kilbride after the attack where they disposed of the knife and their blood-stained clothing. Following the verdict, Kayden’s parents, Paul and Ashley said: “Kayden was an amazing, caring boy who lit up every room he walked into. He brought happiness to everyone around him. “Every morning we wake up and are faced again with the reality that he is gone. We will never hear his laugh again, never see his smile, never watch him achieve the goals he worked so hard for. “We have an empty chair at family gatherings, an empty bedroom in our home, and an emptiness in our hearts that can never be filled.

We do not simply miss Kayden on special occasions; we miss him every minute of every day. “All the milestones and memories that should have been part of his future have been taken away forever. “He was loved beyond measure and will forever be missed. “We would like to thank the officers involved in investigating Kayden’s murder for their commitment to the inquiry and bringing those responsible to justice.” Officers spoke to more than 600 people and noted 240 statements as part of the investigation. The Major Incident Public Portal, which was set up to receive images and footage from members of the public, allowed detectives to build a picture of evidence which resulted in the arrests of those responsible. Detective Chief Inspector Campbell Jackson, senior investigating officer, said: “Today’s outcome will never compensate for Kayden’s death; it won’t ease the heartache his family and friends must feel every single day. “My thoughts very much remain with Kayden’s parents, brothers and his family and friends for their devastating loss.

However, I do hope that they find some comfort in seeing justice being done. "Kayden’s death highlights the devastating impact of knife crime, not only on individuals, but for families and our wider communities. To be clear, there is absolutely no excuse for carrying or using a knife to harm others. “Kayden was robbed of his future that day and his family and friends were robbed of a future with him. He should have made it home with memories that day of a day at the beach, but the actions of others means that Kayden will never grow up into adulthood. “I would like to take this opportunity to thank members of the public who assisted with our enquiries, and to thank all officers and staff involved in the investigation for their dedication, professionalism and commitment.” Superintendent Graeme Gallie of Police Scotland Ayrshire Division said: “We care deeply about violence and how it affects the communities we serve.

Addressing the harmful effects of violent crime and supporting victims is a priority for our officers. “It’s important that people know that Scotland remains a safe place to live and work. Fewer than one in five violent crimes involves an accused person under the age of 18 and it’s crucial we don’t stigmatise our young people. “Over the past year we have stood up Operation Stardrop, which oversees and coordinates diversionary efforts alongside partners, including the Scottish Violence Reduction Unit, to address the root causes of violence and safeguard children and young people from committing or become victims of violent crime.