All of them were boys, five of whom were victims of stabbings while three died in shootings.
One of the victims was just 14-years-old when he was killed.
Whilst this number was down from 10 in 2024, 21 in 2023, 14 in 2022 and a record high 30 in 2021, it remains almost impossible to comprehend that eight teenagers were killed on the streets of the capital in just 12 months.
If you are worried that your child may be involved in, or in danger of becoming involved in knife crime, the Ben Kinsella Trust has a guide to knife harm for parents and careers on its website.
Keylan Bokassa
Keylan Bokassa was aged 14 when he was stabbed to death on a bus in Woolwich in January.
He had been sitting on the back seat of the bus on the upper deck when the two youths came at him with “lengthy machetes”.
The attack lasted around 14 seconds, with the youths thrusting the machetes towards Kelyan 27 times.
Kelyan’s mother Marie Bokassa said: “At least my son is at peace, and those two kids are going to have a really tough time.
“I ask myself what has happened to those two boys that has resulted in that terrible act of violence, and I cannot imagine how can they be so angry.
“What they did was horrific and I do not know what has led them to do this, and maybe I will never.”
She said her son had loved food, cooking and football, and brought her flowers on her birthday.
Speaking through tears and wearing black, she said: “He would put music on and we’d dance together in the living room.
“He loved Mr Bean, which we watched together, and he would laugh. I miss his laugh, miss his voice.
“I will never see his children or be a grandmother and he will never have his own family.”
His killers, who cannot be identified as they are under the age of 18, have been jailed for life.
Rinneau Perrineau
Rinneau Perrineau, known as Ren, was aged 19 when he was stabbed in Clapham in October.
He died in hospital days after the attack.
Rinneau’s family said: “Ren was loved by many, he was always around his family. He will be dearly missed.”
Muhammed Cabdiqaadir, 25, of Hope Street in Wandsworth, is charged with his murder.
Keanu Harker
Keanu Harker was 18-years-old when he was shot dead in Enfield in June.
It is alleged that whilst riding a bicycle he was approached by two males on an electric bike and shot three times to the head and torso.
A 17-year-old boy is charged with his murder.
The teen, who cannot be identified, allegedly fled to Paris before he was identified and returned to the UK.
Tyrece Balcha
Tyrece Balcha was aged 18 when he was shot dead near Wembley Stadium in September.
He was found unresponsive outside a club in the early hours of the morning and died days later.
Tyrece’s sister said he had been out to party with friends, having just turned 18 in July and was excited to “experience adult life.”.
She said: “Ty has the most infectious, cheekiest smile that warmed everybody’s hearts.
“His laugh and his personality is what made him Tyrece and made so many love him.”
Tyrece was described as a hard worker, who had been practicing as an apprentice for a building company while attending college.
She said: “He loved music ranging from old school to the newer day music, always singing and dancing silly because that always brought him joy, entertaining his family and friends.
“He loved to play his PlayStation and was learning to drive. Children loved him for his playful character and patience, he also became a big brother in July 2024 and Tyrece loved him dearly, he is such a proud big brother.”
Multiple people have been charged with his murder, they are aged between 32 and 40.
Adam Henry
Adam Henry was aged 15 when he was stabbed to death in Islington in December.
His family said: “Our beautiful son, Adam, was cruelly taken away from us on Tuesday afternoon. He was a loving son, brother, nephew, grandson, friend and we will never recover from the loss and not having him in our lives.
“He had many interests and was always there with a smile and cheeky sense of humour. He was good natured and loyal. While only 15 years old, the beautiful memories we have of him can never be forgotten.”
Two men – Abdel Derdour, 22, of Old Gloucester Street in Camden, and Tsidi Winion, 20, of Handyside Street in Camden – are charged with his murder.
Lathaniel Burrell
Lathaniel Burrell was aged 16 when he was shot dead in Stockwell in March.
He was described as a “very bright” boy who was a Manchester United fan.
Four people have been charged with his murder ranging in age from 17 to 32.
Yeray Sanchez-Morales
Yeray Sanchez-Morales was aged 17 when he was stabbed to death in Old Kent Road in August.
Another 17-year-old boy was also injured in the same incident.
A 15-year-old boy has been charged with Yeray’s murder.
Southwark borough councillor Natasha Ennin said Yeray’s death was “a tragedy that will be felt right across our community”.
“Our thoughts are with all of Yeray’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.”
Kieron Charles
Kieron Charles was aged 17 when he was stabbed to death near East Acton station in April.
He was one of two boys who was stabbed in the same incident.
Two 16-year-old boys – who cannot be named for legal reasons – are charged with murder.
