17-year-old denies murder of Brayan Saldarriaga in Hackney stabbing

A 17-year-old boy has denied murdering 15-year-old Brayan David Saldarriaga, who was found fatally stabbed in Poplar Close, Hackney, on 25 May 2025. The teenager, whose name cannot be published due to his age, appeared via video-link at the Old Bailey on 25 September 2025 and entered a not guilty plea to both murder and possessing an offensive weapon, identified as a machete.

Police were called to reports of a large gathering and disorder in the area shortly before Brayan was discovered. Officers pronounced him dead at the scene. The Metropolitan Police confirmed the incident but provided no further details about the circumstances leading to the stabbing.

Co-defendant yet to enter plea

Conneil Mvudi, 18, from Hackney, appeared alongside the 17-year-old but was not asked to enter a plea to charges of murder and possessing an offensive weapon. Both defendants confirmed their identities during the hearing but did not speak further. They remain in custody ahead of their next court appearance on 29 October 2025.

Trial date set for 2027

The trial is scheduled to begin on 1 March 2027, nearly two years after the fatal stabbing. The delay reflects the complexity of the case and the volume of evidence expected to be presented. The Old Bailey, which handles serious criminal cases, will oversee the proceedings.

Residents of Poplar Close and surrounding streets were not directly involved in the court process, but the case has raised concerns about youth violence in Hackney. The Metropolitan Police has not announced any additional safety measures in the area following the incident.

What happens next

Both defendants will return to court on 29 October 2025 for a preliminary hearing. The prosecution and defence teams will outline their cases, and a judge will determine whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial. If the case advances, the trial will begin on 1 March 2027, with a jury expected to hear the evidence.