Man, 18, charged with murder of ‘gorgeous’ teenager, 15, found dead in leafy Cheshire village
AN 18-year-old has been charged with murder after a “loving, caring” boy, 15, was found dead near a leafy village.
Alex Rodda was tragically discovered on a country lane in Ashley, Cheshire on Friday morning.
Cheshire Police have since charged 18-year-old Matthew Mason with murder and possession of a bladed article in a public place.
He was arrested four hours after the grim discovery was made.
The teen, of Ollerton, near Knutsford, has been remanded in custody and is set to appear at Crewe Magistrates’ Court on Monday 16 December.
The charges come after Alex’s family released an emotional statement, paying tribute to the teen.
They said: “Alex was a very loving, caring, kind, loyal and, most of all, trusting young boy.
“He loved life and made friends wherever he went.
“He will be sorely missed.”
Friends have since paid tribute to the 15-year-old, with one writing the year 11 student’s death was a “tragic waste”.
One tribute read: “Heartbroken is an understatement.
“Words can not describe how we are feeling. Alex Rodda Sleep easy big man.
“We will always love you and will never forget that infectious smile that lit up a room and brightened everybody’s day.
“Still can’t believe it. We’ve been trying to process it all night and just can not begin to understand why.”
REST IN PEACE GORGEOUS
Another wrote: “Rest in peace gorgeous.”
A third described Alex as a “beautiful boy inside and out”.
Friends had previously shared appeals to help find Alex, with one writing: “***MISSING*** 15 year old from Knutsford *** If anyone has heard from or seen Alex Rodda please get in contact or ring the police. He was last seen around 5/6pm last night.
“He was wearing black jeans & nikezooms in black and white and possibly a kenzo jumper also black coat. please share! We are all so worried xx”.
Holmes Chapel Comprehensive School headteacher Denis Oliver said: “Alex will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him within our close-knit school family.
“Our deepest sympathies, thoughts and prayers are with Alex’s family and friends at this very sad time.”
He added: “There has been much speculation on social media, however, the circumstances around Alex’s death are subject to an ongoing police investigation and we have been asked by them not to comment further at this stage. We will continue to cooperate fully with any requests from the police.”
Students will be supported by staff on Monday.
Detective Chief Inspector Simon Blackwell, of Cheshire Constabulary’s Major Crime Directorate, said: “Our thoughts are with Alex’s family at this extremely difficult time.
“They are currently being supported by specialist officers and we request for their privacy to be respected.
“We are in the very early stages of our investigation into Alex’s death, which we are treating as a murder.
“I would like to reassure the community that this is believed to be an isolated incident and we are doing everything we can to establish exactly what has taken place.
“Various enquiries are ongoing and we are appealing for anyone with any information or footage that may be relevant to our investigation to get in touch.”
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Forensic officers have been examining the scene since the grim discovery.
Anyone with information or CCTV or dashcam footage that may help the investigation should call Cheshire Constabulary on 101, quoting IML 587226, give the details via https://www.cheshire.police.uk or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.