GUILDFORD, England — The close-knit community of Guildford and the All Hallows Catholic School in Farnham are mourning the loss of a “bright, driven” teenager after a fatal stabbing earlier this week.
The victim has been formally identified by Surrey Police as 15-year-old Gabriel Guembes, who was also known to friends as Luis. He was attacked on Lido Road in the Stoke Park area on Monday, January 19, 2026.
In a tragic twist, Gabriel, who had moved to the UK from Lima, Peru, with his mother as a young child “in search of hope, opportunity, and a better future,” lost his life in an act of violence that has shocked the community.
His mother described him as an “amazing son” on a fundraising page created to support the family. “He was kind, bright, driven, and full of promise,” she said. “A devoted student, a passionate soccer player, and a loving son, Gabriel had a smile that could light up a room and a heart that touched everyone he met.”
Gabriel was a pupil at All Hallows Catholic School, where headteacher issued a statement saying the school community was “deeply shocked and saddened” by his death. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.”
The school has made counselors available to support students and staff.
The attack has sent shockwaves through the residential Stoke Park neighbourhood. A local resident, who asked not to be named, said, “It’s just heartbreaking. This is a quiet area where children play. You just don’t expect something like this to happen here.”
Surrey Police have confirmed that the investigation into the murder is ongoing. Two boys, aged 15 and 16, remain in custody on suspicion of murder. Detectives are appealing for witnesses and any information about the incident.
The fundraising effort set up for Gabriel’s family has seen an outpouring of support, with donors leaving messages of condolence and expressing their horror at the loss of such a promising young life.