Throughout the month of February, we’re telling the story of the 21 teenagers who were murdered in 2023. Our campaign, The 21, seeks to remember every victim as a young person with a family and their whole life ahead of them. We want to change the culture of kids carrying knives and becoming involved in violence.

This is the face of Stefan Valentine Balaban, a 19-year-old boy, who was stabbed to death in Edgware in 2023.

Name: Stefan Valentine Balaban

Age: 19

From: Edgware

Here is a timeline of events and everything we know so far about his death:

Friday, July 28:

Stefan Valentine Balaban was found injured in Whitchurch Lane just after 1am on July 28.

The 19-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after.

A post-mortem examination gave Stefan’s cause of death as a stab wound to the chest.

Wednesday, August 2:

Five teenage boys have been charged with the murder of Stefan.

The teens, four aged 16 and one aged 17, appeared at Willesden Magistrates’ Court charged with Stefan’s murder.

Thursday, August 10:

Five teenage boys charged with the murder of Stefan are set to face trial in the summer.

They were police remanded in custody after appearing at the Old Bailey on August 7.

They will all face trial at the same court from June 10, 2024.

Newsquest London does not have information on any further developments on this case.