A “JUSTICE for Edward Reeve” sign has been placed outside the 35-year-old’s house after two teenage killers were convicted of his murder.

Mr Reeve was killed in a “brutal attack” in his home on New Year’s Eve 2021 by two teenagers, a 16-year-old from Christchurch and a 17-year-old from Bournemouth.

The two boys, who blamed each other for the attack which left Mr Reeve with more than a dozen stab and slash wounds, were convicted of his murder after a three-week trial at Winchester Crown Court.

READ MORE: Edward Reeve murder: Police slam 'despicable' act of teenagers

Bournemouth Echo:

The Christchurch teen claimed he acted in self-defence and his co-defendant then attacked Mr Reeve further. The Bournemouth teen said he sat and watched his friend launch into an attack on the 35-year-old.

Prosecutors said the pair attacked the victim after going to his house and becoming aggressive. He wasn’t found until January 4.

Following the conviction, a small sign was placed outside the property in Heath Road, Walkford, in memory of the “talented musician”.

It said: “Justice for Edward Reeve, fly high.”

The killers stood emotionless in the dock on Wednesday as the jury read out the guilty verdicts while gasps and crying could be heard from the public gallery.

Bournemouth Echo:

The day after conviction, one of Mr Reeve’s neighbours told the Daily Echo: “It’s really sad with Ed, he was a lovely chap.

“It was a terrible thing to happen and to see one of them put it up as self-defence had no credibility, guilty was the only verdict we could see.

“People always say you don’t expect it to happen here, but these things are so random, it could have happened anywhere.”

Another neighbour said: “We were away for Christmas and got back and saw all the police here.

“I saw that it was two kids, and they were doing drugs. It is usually very quiet here and it’s obviously very sad.”

Following conviction, detective chief inspector Simon Huxter, of MCIT, said: “First and foremost, our thoughts are with the family and friends of Edward Reeve at this incredibly difficult time.

“This was an atrocious crime where two boys showed no regard for Mr Reeve and attacked him within the safety of his own home. Neither of them have demonstrated any regret or remorse for their actions, which resulted in the death of a fellow human being.

“A detailed and meticulous investigation was carried out by Dorset Police, which allowed us to identify the culprits and bring them before the court to face the consequences of their despicable actions that have also caused significant distress to their own families.

“This case is a very sad reminder of the devastating impact knife crime can have on individuals, their families and communities and Dorset Police will always relentlessly pursue this type of dreadful and unnecessary criminality.

“If you believe someone is in immediate possession of a knife or offensive weapon please dial 999. If you would like to report your concerns about a knife carrier or need some advice, please email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or visit dorset.police.uk and report it online. Please help us prevent future tragedies such as this.”

The killers will be sentenced at Winchester Crown Court on September 27. Neither can be named.