The father of a teenager who was stabbed to death on Irvine Beach has vowed to continue fighting for change around knife crime. Kayden Moy was murdered at the Ayrshire beauty spot in May 2025. Cole Turley and Jay Stewart, both 18, and a 15-year-old boy who cannot be named for legal reasons, were convicted over the 16-year-old's death.
Father's promise to his son
Paul Moy, Kayden's dad, has now promised to fight for change around knife crime in honour of his late son. Sharing a photo of the pair on holiday when Kayden was a young boy, Paul wrote: "My son. My best friend. My guy. I miss you every day, but I refuse to let the way you were taken be the end of your story.
"I'm going to turn this pain into purpose, this loss into change, and your memory into something that can help others. Your life mattered. Kayden Moy's name matters. Your story matters.
"I'll keep fighting for change, carrying your love with me, and making sure your light never goes out. Forever my son. Forever my best friend. Forever my reason to keep going."
Knife Angel visit
It comes after the grieving dad said he was reminded of the 'devastating consequences' of blade culture on a visit to the Knife Angel in Edinburgh last week. The 38-year-old, who visited the 27ft tall sculpture a few weeks after it was installed at the bottom of Leith Walk, said he hopes it serves as a 'national monument against violence and aggression' after his son's tragic killing.
Paul said: "For me, this is much more than just a monument. My son was murdered through knife crime, so seeing the Knife Angel carries a very personal and painful meaning.
"The Knife Angel represents over 100,000 knives that have been surrendered or seized from communities across the country, forged together to create this powerful sculpture.
"It stands as a national monument against violence and aggression, highlighting the devastating impact knife crime has on victims, families and communities. Behind every knife is a story, and behind every victim is a family whose lives are changed forever.
"I hope the Knife Angel continues to raise awareness, encourage conversations and remind us all of the devastating consequences of knife crime."
Killers' appeals
Kayden's killers, members of the Murray Boys gang from East Kilbride, travelled to Irvine after discovering through social media that Kayden and his friends, who were linked to the rival Himshie group, were gathering there. The teenagers arrived armed with weapons. Kayden, who was unarmed, confronted the group before being pursued. CCTV footage captured the three teenagers fleeing the beach moments after the attack.
Last month, it was revealed that Stewart and Turley are appealing their life sentences. Stewart reportedly lodged an appeal against the term in July, while Kayden's family were informed by email of Turley's appeal on August 4.
