The family of Radwan Shakur, a 21-year-old from Wembley described as a “kind soul” with a smile that could “brighten up a room,” have been left heartbroken after he was found fatally stabbed in a busy public park on Friday.
Emergency services rushed to Central Park in Chelmsford at around midday on June 12 following reports of a serious assault, but the young man was pronounced dead at the scene. Essex Police later identified the victim as Radwan, who had been looking forward to starting university and “the bright future ahead,” according to a family statement.
“Two teenagers charged with murder after Radwan Shakur, 21, was stabbed to death in a Chelmsford park on Friday.”
“Our hearts are truly broken. We will miss him,” his family said.
Within hours of the killing, police arrested three teenagers — aged 18, 17 and 14 — from an address in Auckland Close on suspicion of murder. The 18-year-old has since been released on bail, while the 14-year-old remains under investigation. Further enquiries over the weekend led to the arrest of another 18-year-old from Widford Chase on Sunday afternoon.
Two suspects now face charges. Romeo Mfinda, 18, of Widford Chase, and a 17-year-old boy from Chelmsford who cannot be named for legal reasons, have both been charged with murder, possession with intent to supply cannabis, and possession of a knife in a public place. They are due to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on Monday 15 June.
Detective Inspector Lydia George, leading the investigation, described the attack as “a shocking incident in a busy public park at a time when many people would have been enjoying the area,” which has caused “significant concern” in the local community. She said detectives and specialist officers have been working around the clock, making “significant progress through CCTV enquiries, speaking to witnesses and carrying out forensic work.”
George appealed for anyone with information to come forward, stressing that “any piece of information, no matter how small, could be important.” A dedicated public portal remains open as the investigation continues.
The case has reignited concerns about knife crime in Essex, with a young life cut short just as it was about to begin. The family’s tribute captured the loss: “Radwan was a kind soul loved by his family and everyone that knew him. He had such hopes and dreams for his future.”