- The two men who died in a triple stabbing in Houghton Regis on Sunday (13 November) have been named.
- Friday evening latest: Three men have now been charged with offences.
The investigation was launched on Sunday 13 November after police were called to Tithe Farm Road following reports of a hit and run. Two men were pronounced dead at the scene, while a third was taken to hospital with serious injuries.
The victims were formally identified this week as 39-year-old Adam Fanelli and 27-year-old Patrick Howard, both of Houghton Regis.
In a tribute, Adam’s family said, “Words could never explain the impact this tragedy has had, and will forever hold, over our family and this community. Our thoughts and prayers of strength are with the other families involved.
“Adam was undoubtedly a loving and devoted dad to his three wonderful children. For someone small in stature he had an extremely larger-than-life character and a heart bigger than a house. He was a person that emulated ‘once met never forgotten’ in every way possible. He’s going to be missed eternally, leaving a void that could never be filled.
“The family would like to thank everyone for their messages of support and beautiful tributes to both Adam and Pat.”
Also paying tribute, Patrick’s family said, “Patrick was the most lovable, cheeky chap you could meet. He would have done anything for anybody and had the biggest heart of gold. He was the heart and soul of the community, with not a person who didn’t love him.
“Patrick will be missed immensely and has left such a hole in too many hearts. If love could have saved Patrick, he would have lived forever.
"Adam’s family will forever be in our hearts and prayers.”
Charged With Murder
Police continue their investigation into the deaths. Nicholas Papworth, 31, of Houghton Regis and Curtis Long, 32 of Luton, have been charged with two counts of murder, one count of attempted murder, three counts of conspiracy to murder and three counts of conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm.
Third man charged Update Friday 18 Nov, evening: Bedfordshire Police say "Mark Griffiths, 40, of Luton, was charged with two counts of murder, one count of attempted murder, three counts of conspiracy to murder and three counts of conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm. He has been remanded in custody until his next court appearance on Monday (21 November)."
T/Detective Superintendent Carl Foster, from the Bedfordshire Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit, said, “Our thoughts remain with the loved ones of both Adam and Patrick, we also wish the third victim a full and speedy recovery.
“I wish to renew my thanks to everyone who has come forward with information so far. Our enquires into the events leading up to this fatal stabbing are ongoing, and we are still keen to hear from anyone that can support our investigation.
“This is an extremely violent incident that has taken place in a community that has been greatly affected. We are committed to ensuring anyone involved in this brutal attack is brought to justice.”
Vigil
From 6pm on Saturday 19 November, a vigil will take place in Tithe Farm Rd near Meadow Lane, organised by the town's churches.
The Town Mayor, Cllr Yvonne Farrell will read Psalm 23 about 18.00. Local MP, Andrew Selous, is also expected to attend. Central Bedfordshire Council has approved a road closure of Tithe Farm Road between Delmont Rd and Churchfield Rd, allowing cars at least to pass up Churchfield Rd.
Cllr Yvonne Farrell, Town Mayor of Houghton Regis, "On behalf of the Town Council, we are deeply saddened by the recent tragic event which has happened in the town. Our deepest sympathies go out to the victims and their families affected by this horrific tragedy.
May those who have lost their lives rest in peace, and those who have been injured make a full recovery."
| Town Clerk, “We would really appreciate it if residents could plan not to need access, especially from 5.30pm to 7pm. The road will be closed to help to ensure personal safety and to allow the community to come together to grieve. Assistance from local residents would be greatly appreciated.” |
Therapy
Rachel Honeyford, a therapist, is available to offer one free adult counselling session to anyone adversely affected by the sad occurrences in Tithe Farm Rd., Houghton Regis. She said, “In addition, if anyone needs ongoing counselling, I will try to help find affordable counselling. In the first instance, please can they text me on 07361 756662. My credentials can be checked online.”
Rachel continued, “Alternatively people should feel free to drop into Jewels, Bedford Square, Houghton Regis between 9am to 1.30pm, Monday-Friday if they would like a supportive, friendly chat.”
Most Saddest Moment
Local businessman, Kishor Patel issued a statement today (Friday), “My sincere condolences and prayers 🙏🏽🙏🏽go to the families and friends who lost their loved ones. I am very saddened to learn of such tragic event in Houghton Reigs which lost two lives and one seriously injured on Sunday 13th Nov 2022. After reading the news, I have known both the victims and their families. Also have known at least one of the offender and his family.
“What’s even sad is that the victims and offenders have family and young children.
“Myself Anita Anita Patel, my brother Pat Pradeep Patel, have enjoyed serving and being part of the Houghton Regis community for the past 37 years. We have experienced and seen a lot of great things and some sad times too, this is the saddest moment.
People, friends, families have differences from time to time, we agree, disagree, argue, may fight and make up or not but just carry on with our lives.
I see no reasons why the differences ended up in losing two lives and leaving a big vacuum in the lives of friends and families of Pat and Adam.
Past five days this traffic event has been on my mind every day I ask myself the questions
why? why? why? why?
Could this have been prevented?
What is the underlying core issue that led to the loss of two lives?
Was this a build-up or spontaneous?
What is the key driving factor to committing such an evil crime?
Who can take responsibility for the failings?
So many questions come to mind….
We hope the Bedfordshire Police and justice courts will be able to address the above and deal with the offenders appropriately !!
Andrew Selous it would only be right if you are able to raise this traffic event and issue of lack of policing, community care and social education at the Central Bedfordshire Council UK Parliament
In the meantime at these difficult times we pray 🙏🏽🙏🏽 give time, support and space for the families and friends of Patrick and Adam to come to terms and heal
Kishor Patel ”
Central Bedfordshire Councillor for the Tithe Farm area, Pat Hamill has commented, “As the Ward Councillor for Tithe Farm, I am always available to address your concerns.
I can assure you all, I have been working to make Houghton Regis a safer place to live and work since I have been a councillor and will continue to do so.
I do work with the Police on many issues if you have any worries.
My email address: Patrick.Hamill@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk.
My Councillor page is regularly updated so you are all well informed: https://www.facebook.com/cllrpat.hamill ”
Friend's Grief
The messages below have been publicly shared on Facebook and are available for anyone to read. Thoughts are with all those friends and relatives affected by what has happened.
A friend of Patrick Howard, Mason Jordan, commented via Facebook earlier this week, “words can’t describe the rollercoaster of emotions im going thru rn you’ve been on my mind all day ive cried all the tears out my body for u till theres not a tear left! i love you, my brudda… ”
Another friend, Chelsea Benjamin commented via Facebook, “Been hunting for pictures of us together but I know I would of buried them deep with how rough we looked sitting at Bedford Square steps🤣 you really was the life of the party, always cracking a joke and put a smile on all our faces. If I would of known Saturday was the last time I saw you, I would of held you just a little longer. I will look at Isla and forever see you. Rest in peace Patrick Howard ”
Similarly, Holly Howard commented via Facebook, “I don't really have the words right now, but our hearts are absolutely shattered & it just doesnt feel real. Patrick Howard was always that person you knew you could rely on, the amount of times I was out & I needed someone, he was the first person I called & would be there in a heartbeat. My big, little cousin.. the thought of never seeing you again is just too much to bear right now. If you knew Pat, you knew just how much f**king love he had for his friends & family, it was unmatched. My head is just empty but thank you to those who have messaged. Pat, keep Uncle Chris & Nanny company up there, you should never have gone this soon but at least you're with them now. I love you so, so, so much. 💓”
Father Diego of All Saints Church, Houghton Regis, travelled to the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham Friday to pray for the town community.
Father Diego made a short pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham today to pray for the town community.
— All Saints HR (@AllSaintsHR) November 18, 2022
Seven-day Candles we’re lit for our people, for Adam and Pat who died Sunday, for the those injured and bereaved.
Mary, Our Lady of Walsingham, pray for us all! pic.twitter.com/PFf1dx7pW7
Help the Police
Anyone with information can contact the investigation team via beds.police.uk/ro/report or by calling 101 and quoting Operation Crux.
Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
- For more information on how police are working to tackle knife crime lookup Operation Sceptre.
- If you have concerns about a young person that may be impacted by knife crime, the Violence and Exploitation Reduction Unit offer tailored support to young and vulnerable people affected by knife crime and gang activity.
- Find out the locations of the county-wide weapons bins, and more about the work the force is doing with its partners to tackle knife crime and violent offenders, and getting dangerous weapons off the streets.
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