PARENTS of a teenager who was murdered on Irvine Beach last year have paid tribute to their "amazing, caring boy" after his killers were convicted.
Eighteen-year-old Jay Stewart and a 15-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, were found guilty at the High Court in Glasgow on Friday, June 5, of murdering Kayden Moy.
Cole Turley, also 18, pleaded guilty to murder before the trial got underway.
The 16-year-old victim's mum and dad, Paul and Ashley, said: “Kayden was an amazing, caring boy who lit up every room he walked into.
"He brought happiness to everyone around him.
“Every morning we wake up and are faced again with the reality that he is gone.
"We will never hear his laugh again, never see his smile, never watch him achieve the goals he worked so hard for.
"We miss Kayden every minute of every day. He was loved beyond measure and will be forever missed."
Kayden died in hospital after being stabbed on Irvine Beach on Saturday, May 17, 2025.
Turley and Stewart, who were both 17 at the time, and the then 14-year-old travelled back to East Kilbride after the attack, where they disposed of the knife and their blood-stained clothing.
Police Scotland said a Major Incident Public Portal, which was set up to receive images and footage from members of the public, proved invaluable and allowed detectives to build a picture of evidence which resulted in arrests being made.
Detective Chief Inspector Campbell Jackson, senior investigating officer, said: “My thoughts very much remain with Kayden’s family for their devastating loss.
“Kayden’s death highlights the devastating impact of knife crime, not only on individuals, but for families and our wider communities.
“Kayden was robbed of his future that day and his family and friends were robbed of a future with him. The actions of others mean he will never grow up into adulthood.”
Superintendent Graeme Gallie of Police Scotland Ayrshire Division said: “We care deeply about violence and how it affects the communities we serve. It’s important people know that Scotland remains a safe place to live and work.
"Fewer than one in five violent crimes involves an accused person under the age of 18.
"Over the past year we have stood up Operation Stardrop, which oversees and coordinates diversionary efforts alongside our partners to address the root causes of violence and safeguard children and young people from committing or becoming victims of violent crime."
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