Family of teen murdered in Petts Wood appeal for answers

Max Moy Wheatley was stabbed to death in Jubilee Park in broad daylight on September 20 last year. 

Max’s sister Tasha Wheatley, sitting on her brother’s memorial bench this week, said: “Nearly a year ago today in this very place, right here, my little brother took his last breath after being stabbed in the heart. 

“Max may have been 19 but he was just a kid. A kind boy who would've helped anyone if he could. Max loved music and spending time with his family and friends. 

“He wasn't a horrible boy, he was young and carefree. He hated confrontation and was often a peacemaker between his friends and he would never hurt anyone as he had a strong sense of right and wrong.”

Photos of Max (Image: Supplied)  Ten days after Max’s death two men, 18 and 19, were arrested and later charged with Max’s murder. 

But in March this year the Crown Prosecution Service made the decision to discontinue the case against the pair. 

Detective Inspector Adam Guttridge said it has been a “challenging” investigation but remains very much active. 

Tasha said: “Just for a moment I ask you to put yourself in our shoes, we currently have no answers or understanding of why my brother was cruelly and brutally murdered as he walked through a quiet park in Petts Wood. 

“As a family we didn't get the opportunity to hold his hand or comfort him in his last moments as he never left the park alive. We'd give anything to have been able to hold his hand or just see his face one last time.   

"As a family we are stuck in a constant state of despair, knowing that whoever is responsible for Max’s murder has not been brought to justice and knowing that another family could soon be feeling the same mental torture and pain we have been feeling for almost a year.” 

Max's memorial bench in Jubilee Park (Image: Josh Bolton) Tasha urged anyone with information to come forward. 

She said: "As Max's older sister I'm asking you to think back to that day, September 20, 2023, - if there was any information that could help us as a family get justice for my little brother and a small piece of closure for my family then please contact the police. 

"There are people out there that know what happened to my brother that day. You may feel the information you have may not be relevant, you may have thought nothing of it at the time, you may have heard something that can help, maybe a conversation or you may feel scared to speak up but as a sister, who's entire world and family was ripped apart through one mindless violent act, I am begging you to come forward and do the right thing. 

“If this was your child, your little brother, your friend, you would want people to do the right thing and come forward so no other family experiences the same pain that we feel. " 

Anyone with information is asked to call police via 101 or 020 7175 2206 quoting reference CAD 3972/20Sep2023. To remain anonymous contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. 

Max was killed in the south-east side of Jubilee Park near Tent Peg Lane at around 2.30pm.   

Detective Inspector Adam Guttridge, who is leading the investigation (Image: Josh Bolton) DI Guttridge said his team are keeping an open mind about what happened that day but said there was evidently a “coming together” from different parties. 

Police have a murder weapon but are continuing to appeal for the public’s help in identifying who is responsible, DI Guttridge said. 

He said: “It is one year since Max was attacked and killed and we continue to ask the public for help in identifying whoever is responsible. Despite two arrests, we still need to hear from anyone who may have information relating to the murder of Max Moy Wheatley. 

 "This has been a challenging investigation and we are seeking information about the events that led up to this young man losing his life. We want to help provide answers to Max’s family and want to bring offenders to justice. 

"I am especially keen to hear from anyone who may have information about the incident or those involved in this incident. We also need to hear from anyone who was in Jubilee Park at the key time in the early afternoon of September 20, 2023, who has not yet contacted police. 

“There is a dedicated online portal called MIPP where information can be uploaded. Anyone who thinks they may have information relating to Max’s murder, however small or insignificant they feel it may be, should contact the investigation team on 020 7175 2206 or contact Crimestoppers.”