Two teenagers accused of murdering 15-year-old Farnham schoolboy Luis Gabriel Guembes in a Surrey park will stand trial later this month.
The pair, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded not guilty in June to murdering the All Hallows School student in woodland at Peacock Wood in Guildford on January 19.
The accused were aged 15 and 16 at the time of the alleged offence, with an inquest hearing that Luis died from a stab wound to the back of his abdomen.
A pre-trial hearing was held yesterday (Wednesday, October 7) at Guildford Crown Court, with October 19 confirmed as the start date.
The court heard that preparations are continuing, with the trial expected to last around three to four weeks.
The Honourable Ms Justice Norton heard that the prosecution and defence were broadly ready for the case to proceed, although some evidence and disclosure remained outstanding.
The court discussed arrangements for the trial, including CCTV footage, a timeline of events, injury mapping and other evidence. The availability of witnesses and experts was also considered.
Special measures for young and vulnerable witnesses were discussed, with the court indicating that arrangements would be made to allow child witnesses to give evidence by live link where appropriate.
The court also considered practical arrangements for the trial, including the transportation of the two defendants from custody to Guildford and the selection of a jury able to sit for the expected length of the case.
The prosecution said it was content for the trial to be heard by a jury of 12.
The judge indicated that the first day of the trial could begin at 10.30am, taking into account the lengthy journey from custody for the defendants. The court also heard that Luis’s family may wish to watch proceedings remotely.
Luis was a keen footballer who played for Churt U16 Vipers and Mytchett Athletic U16 Kestrels. He was honoured with a charity football match in April this year.