'SENSELESS'
Third Reading stabbing victim named as talented scientist as heartbroken families blast ‘senseless’ killings
A TALENTED scientist has been named as the third victim of a suspected terror attack after three men were stabbed to death in a Reading park.
David Wails, a senior scientist for global chemicals firm Johnson Matthey - which has a research centre in Reading - was killed along with Joe Ritchie-Bennett and James Furlong in the horror on Saturday night.
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Friend Michael Main said Mr Wails "always made people smile".
He added: "We'd have a lot of banter... it's sad to know he's gone so early."
Joe, 39, was remembered as a "brilliant and loving" man as his dad blasted his "senseless" killing after the carnage unfolded on Saturday evening.
It is understood he was friends with Mr Furlong, the first victim to be named from the terror attack that unfolded on Saturday.
Joe's father, Robert Ritchie, told : "The family is heartbroken they have lost their brilliant and loving son. This was senseless."
Mr Ritchie said that Joe had moved from Philadelphia to the UK 15 years ago - first working for a London law firm before moving to a Dutch pharmaceutical company based in Reading.
And Joe's brother Robert, who is a captain in the Philadelphia police force, added: "I love him. I always have. I always will. He was a great guy.
"We used to play together every day. We rode bikes together every day. Our family is heartbroken and beside ourselves. He did not deserve to go out like this."
And tributes today poured in for Joe, who had lost his husband Ian to cancer in 2014.
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One pal wrote: "So so sad to hear that Joe Ritchie-Bennett was one of the murder victims in Reading this weekend.
"You can now be reunited with your hubby Ian Richie-Bennett.
"Both taken far far far too soon."
Another college roommate of Joe said: "I've spent much of the day trying to come to terms with such a senseless loss.
"I will always remember your wicked sense of humour, kind heart, appreciation of a good cocktail and passion for life."
And another pal added: "You were taken too soon my lovely but I know you will now be with your darling Ian Ritchie-Bennett. Your star will shine so bright in the sky."
US ambassador to the UK Woody Johnson confirmed that an American citizen was killed in the Reading atrocity.
He said: "I offer my deepest condolences to the families of those killed in the attack on June 20.
"To our great sorrow, this includes an American citizen. Our thoughts are with all those affected.
"We condemn the attack absolutely and have offered our assistance to British law enforcement."
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It comes after tributes poured in for James Furlong, an inspirational teacher killed in the attack.
His parents Gary and Janet, have released the following statement: “James was a wonderful man. He was beautiful, intelligent, honest and fun.
“He was the best son, brother, uncle and partner you could wish for. We are thankful for the memories he gave us all.
"We will never forget him and he will live in our hearts forever.”
Martin Cooper said he had known Joe Richie-Bennett for four years and Mr Furlong for at least two, having met them at the Blagrave Arms in Reading - a pub where they were regulars.
Mr Cooper, who is chief executive of LGBT+ charity Reading Pride, added that Mr Richie-Bennett and Mr Furlong were "great supporters" and members of the community.
He said: "Their loss is a tragedy to so many people.
"It was always a pleasure drinking and socialising and just being in their company.
"They should be remembered as extremely friendly gentleman who were always fun, engaging and a pleasure to be around."
Priti Patel today visited the scene of the stabbing attack as the city gathered for a one minute's silence to remember the victims.
The Holt School co-head teacher Katie Pearce today told the grieving crowd: "We all need to absorb this sad news, words cannot describe our shock and sadness.
"He was a cherished colleague and he will be very sadly missed."
Survivors and witnesses described the carnage at Forbury Gardens on Saturday evening as suspect Khairi Saadallah allegedly lashed out at groups in the sun.
The suspect is believed to have dropped his knife before fleeing from the park. A policeman then rugby-tackled him to the ground after a chase.
Questions have now surfaced after it was revealed the terror suspect was on MI5's radar had left prison just 16 days ago.
Suspect Khairi Saadallah was a ticking timebomb who wanted to travel to Syria to fight, The Sun revealed.
The Libyan asylum seeker, 25, was also on medication for post traumatic stress and a suspected personality disorder before his release from prison 16 days ago.
And in 2018 he was granted leave to remain in the UK for five years despite convictions for violence.
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Saadallah’s wild moods were controlled by drugs in jail. He was not deported because human rights laws block returning criminals to “failed” states such as Libya, sources said.
Saadallah spat at Judge Sophie Toms at Reading magistrates court after she sentenced him for previous offences in March 2019.
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Other offences — none of which were terror-related — include possession of a bladed weapon and assaulting a police officer, which landed him an eight-month term.
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Grieving colleagues fall silent to pay tribute to teacher James Furlong killed in Reading terror attack
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