Social media and mobile phone footage played a “crucial” role in the investigation into the murder of East Kilbride teenager Kayden Moy, a top cop has said.
Jay Stewart, 18, and a 15-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, were found guilty of the 16-year-old’s murder at the High Court in Glasgow on Friday, June 5.
The pair’s friend Cole Turley, 18, had earlier pleaded guilty to murder after fatally stabbing Kayden on Irvine Beach on May 17, 2025, amid a dispute between rival gangs from East Kilbride.
The trio then fled the beach, which was packed with horrified teenagers, as they “cuddled” and shook hands.
Kayden was taken to hospital by ambulance, but sadly passed away at 11.33pm the same day.
Speaking after the verdict, Detective Chief Inspector Campbell Jackson, senior investigating officer, praised members of the public for their help during the probe.
DCI Jackson commented: “We were very fortunate in the investigation that members of the public engaged with us really well.
“We stood up the Major Incident Public Portal, which is a means for members of the public to submit evidence to the police digitally.
“They were able to submit digital footage, mobile phone footage and pictures through that portal, and that was crucial as part of our investigation.”
READ NEXT:
'Forever missed' - Kayden Moy’s killers unmasked as family issue emotional tribute
Two teenagers found GUILTY of murdering Kayden Moy after trial
Family of man killed in horror lorry crash call for changes to HGV licensing
Stewart was found guilty unanimously, and the 15-year-old by a majority verdict of killing the amateur footballer who played for Busby AFC.
Jurors had determined the duo acted alongside Turley when committing the murder.
Turley pleaded guilty at the same court before the trial took place and was incriminated by his two co-accused.
Members of Kayden's family became emotional and applauded when the jurors - four of whom were visibly emotional - delivered their verdict.
Superintendent Graeme Gallie of Police Scotland’s Ayrshire Division has since issued a plea to members of the public not to carry weapons.
He said: “It’s important people know that Scotland is a safe place to live and work. Over the last year, we saw the lowest proportion of under-18s accused of violent crimes since 2020/21, which coincided with lockdown restrictions resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic.
“However, in recent years, we have seen an increase in the number of weapons removed from young people, particularly teenagers, via stop and search.
“Last year, we stood up Operation Stardrop, which oversees and coordinates diversionary efforts alongside partners, including the Scottish Violence Reduction Unit, to address the root causes of violence and safeguard children and young people from committing or becoming victims of violent crime.
“Intelligence-led stop search is a valuable policing tactic to remove weapons from pockets and keep communities safe.”
READ NEXT:
Thug claimed he was the 'devil' brutally attacked woman he was banned from
Man arrested and 'tasered' after suspected drug dealing outside Glasgow hotel
Three year animal ban for woman who kept over 20 pets in boxes "wet and trembling"
Superintendent Gallie continued: “The message from Police Scotland is a plea not to carry weapons. Carrying a weapon will not improve your safety.
“It can instead increase the likelihood of self-injury and have devastating and irreversible consequences for you, your family, your friends, and your community.”
Judge Lord Scott deferred sentence pending background reports until next month.
The judge said: "You have been found guilty of murder, and there is a sentence prescribed by law for that.
"I need information on your background due to your age. In the meantime, you will be remanded in custody."
The judge later told jurors that it was an "emotive case" due to the ages of the teenagers and offered an exemption from future jury service.
Share