Two teen boys, 16, appear in court charged with murder of musician found stabbed to death at home
TWO teenage boys have appeared in court charged with murdering a musician found stabbed to death at home.
Edward Reeve, 35, died at the property in Christchurch, Dorset, last week after police received reports of concern for the welfare of a man inside.
Two 16-year-old boys - from Christchurch and Bournemouth - have been charged with murder "on or around the 31 December 2021".
The teens, who legally cannot be named, appeared in separate hearings at Poole Magistrates' Court today for a brief hearing.
Both boys spoke only to confirm their names, dates of birth and addresses.
They were remanded in youth detention to next appear at Winchester Crown Court on January 13.
A 15-year-old girl from the Christchurch area who was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender has been released on bail.
An inquest opened and adjourned into Edward's death today heard how he died from multiple stab wounds.
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Coroner's officer Nigel Underwood said: "At approximately 7.50pm on January 4 an associate of Edward contacted Dorset Police with concerns about his welfare.
"Officers attended and said there was significant injury (to Edward's body) and significant blood loss."
A full inquest was adjourned until August 5, 2022.
Edward's mum Jayne Newey, 64, previously paid tribute to her son, who was a local musician and worked in customer services.
She said: "I just don't believe it. It doesn't seem real. It doesn't seem fair. He didn't deserve it if you ask me."
Jayne told how her son had moved from Buckinghamshire to Christchurch around ten years ago but had suffered with drug addiction.
Dorset Police say the victim's family are being supported by specialist officers following the horror on Wednesday at around 7.53pm.
Officers are also appealing for CCTV footage recorded in the Heath Road area during the week before Mr Reeve's body was found on January 4.
Detective Inspector Simon Huxter said: "Following a detailed and fast-moving investigation, we have consulted with the Crown Prosecution Service, which has authorised the charges.
"The family of Edward Reeve has been updated with this development and our thoughts remain with them at this truly awful time."
