Caversham stabbing: Man charged with murder to go on trial October
A 28-year-old man has appeared before Reading Crown court today (Friday 19th February) after being charged with murder following a stabbing in Reading.
Officers were called to Managua Close in Caversham in the early hours of Sunday (14/2) morning at around 12.55am.
The victim has been officially named by police as Yannick Cupido, 24, who was found with a stab wound to the chest and sadly died at the scene.
Senior investigating officer, Detective Inspector Mike Roddy, of the Thames Valley Police Major Crime Unit, said: “Our thoughts are with Yannick’s family at this incredibly difficult time, and they continue to receive support from specially trained officers."
O’Neal Joseph, 28 years old and from Caversham, has been charged with one count of murder.
His trial is due to begin in October.
Another man, also aged 22, was arrested on Monday (15 February), on suspicion of perverting the course of justice. He has since been released under investigation.
A section 60 order in Reading, was extended until 9pm on Tuesday (16 February).
The order follows the recent death of Raheem Hanif in Dulnan Close, Tilehurst as well as the launch of the murder investigation in Caversham.
The two incidents are not currently being linked, however the decision was taken to extend the order again to ensure the safety of the public, says Thames Valley Police.
The order applies to the whole of the Reading local policing area, and allows officers more powers to stop and search in a defined location when it is believed there is a likelihood that serious violence could take place.
Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Inspector Nicola Douglas, of Thames Valley Police Major Crime Unit, said: “We are in the very early stages of this investigation and we will be working quickly and thoroughly in the community to find those responsible.
“There will be a cordon in place and additional officers in the area and we will be starting house-to-house enquiries as part of this investigation."
Watch: Councillor Adele Barnett-Ward represents Caversham ward and is also Reading Borough Council's Lead Councillor for Neighbourhoods & Communities