Family of boy killed in stabbing plan march against knife crime

The family of a teenage boy who died after he was stabbed have said they want his death to make a difference as they plan a march to raise awareness about knife crime.

Kory McCrimmon’s family said his life “will not be in vain” as they urged people to join the Parents Against Knives walk later this month.

The 16-year-old died after he was found seriously injured in Greenfield Park in the east end of Glasgow on May 31 last year.

A 14-year-old was last month sentenced to five years detention after admitting culpable homicide.

The march comes in the wake of the deaths of teenagers Amen Teklay and Kayden Moy in separate incidents in recent weeks.

In a statement issued through Victim Support Scotland, Kory’s family said: “Kory McCrimmon’s young life was a brushstroke in time, but we his family wish for his death to make a difference: Kory’s life will not be in vain.

“Our aim here is to continue highlighting the increase in deaths and danger by knife and violent crime. Our sons and daughters are more than statistics, they deserve better.

“Kory’s parents are very clear: if we can prevent at least one more family going through this life shattering agony, we have gone a long way in our mission, but let’s go further.

“We walk in Kory’s name, but we stand for all those lives lost or maimed to knife violence: too much, too many. No more.

“Come join our walk and lend your hearts and voices to making our streets, our young people and our lives safer.”

Two boys aged 14 and 16 have appeared in court charged with murder following the death of 15-year-old Amen in the Maryhill area of Glasgow on March 5.

Kayden, 16, was found seriously injured on Irvine beach in North Ayrshire after police were called to the area at about 6.45pm on May 17.

A 14-year-old boy and two 17-year-old boys have appeared in court charged with murder following his death.

The walk was originally due to take place on June 8 but has been rescheduled following an “overwhelming” response.

The Parents Against Knives march will set off from Rangers’ Ibrox stadium at 1pm on June 22 and those taking part will walk to Celtic Park in the east end.

Kate Wallace, chief executive of Victim Support Scotland, said: “Too many lives are being devastated by knife crime in Scotland.

“Behind every statistic, hundreds of lives are irreversibly impacted with tragic consequences for everyone involved; family, friends, siblings, school mates, and the wider communities in which we all live.

“We support the Parents Against Knives walk, organised entirely by the McCrimmon family in memory of their son Kory, which will undoubtedly help draw attention to this growing crisis.

“These are complex and sensitive situations which require a multi-agency response from the Scottish Government, victim support organisations, police, social work, youth work and others to work together to tackle knife crime and the devastation it causes. People across Scotland deserve to feel safe in their own communities.”

Police Scotland chief constable Jo Farrell has said that reducing violence and preventing the harm it is causing continues to be an “absolute priority” for the force.

Speaking at the latest Scottish Police Authority Board meeting, Ms Farrell said: “Violent crime is at historically low levels, with homicides at record low levels and attempted murders and serious assaults are also at low levels compared to recent years.

“However, I am concerned about some of the trends around violent crime committed by young people, and often committed against other young people, and we think a notable proportion of that is happening in and around schools.

“It’s on policing and partners, local authorities, third sector, and beyond to work together to do all we can to prevent violence and reduce the harm it is causing.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Our thoughts are with Kory’s family and we recognise their hard work in trying to change attitudes to knife crime. We are working on best ways forward to address this issue.

“We have provided increased funding for the Scottish Violence Reduction unit as part of the Scottish Government’s broader package to tackle violence.

“And over 2025/26 we are providing increased funding of £345,000 to support Medics Against Violence to deliver a range of activities including the Hospital Navigator programme and a further £156,000 for the Mentors in Violence Prevention programme.

“We are also providing record funding to the police this year investing £1.64 billion – an increase of almost £90 million.

“We understand the impact of crime on victims and the importance of access to support. We have awarded £48 million to more than 20 victims’ organisations during 2022-2025 under our Victim Centred Approach Fund.

“This includes an award of £18 million for Victim Support Scotland, which delivers a range of services including their Support for Families Bereaved by Crime Service.”