Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Teenager charged with murder after student fatally injured on way home from prom

Kajetan Migdal died in hospital after receiving life-threatening injuries as he made his way home from his Year 13 prom.

William Janes
Monday 30 May 2022 11:28 EDT
Police have appealed for witnesses (Peter Byrne/PA)
Police have appealed for witnesses (Peter Byrne/PA) (PA Archive)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A teenager has been charged with the murder of a student on his way home from a school prom.

Patrick Sharp, 18, is accused of killing Kajetan Migdal, also 18, who died in hospital from his injuries following an incident in Cuttys Lane, Stevenage, at about 11.20pm on Friday.

Sharp has also been charged with possession of an offensive weapon and possession of Class A drugs.

The teenager, of Cuttys Lane, appeared at St Albans Magistrates’ Court on Monday and remains in custody until his next appearance at Luton Crown Court on Wednesday.

Hertfordshire Police said Mr Migdal sustained life-threatening injuries and  died in hospital in the early hours of Saturday.

Kajetan was a loving, joy-filled young man with a bright future

Kajetan Migdal's family

Mr Migdal’s family said the incident happened as he made his way home from prom and that they were “devastated” by their loss.

“Kajetan was a loving, joy-filled young man with a bright future. He was known for his love of dance, animals, hard work and caring friendships,” they said.

“As a high achiever academically and in his hobbies, he was set for big things. He had just finished school and had his life to look forward to. The entire family is devastated at the loss of a much-loved family member, and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him,”

Clive Mathew, headteacher of St John Henry Newman Catholic School, which Mr Migdal attended, said the incident happened after the Year 13 leavers’ event.

He said: “Kajetan was a much-loved member of the school community, who had been looking forward to a gap year before further study.

“He was a continual source of pride for the school and was well known for his love of dance. He was a member of Prospects Fraternity, the dance troupe that captured the heart of the school and the nation in doing so well in the BBC’s The Greatest Dancer show in 2019.”

On Saturday, the school opened its chapel to mourners who left dozens of bouquets of flowers.

Detective Inspector Justine Jenkins, from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire major crime unit, said: “Our thoughts remain with Kajetan’s family and friends at this extremely difficult time.

“Specialist officers are continuing to provide support to his family and we once again ask that their privacy is respected.”

She appealed for information and urged anyone who may be able to help to get in touch.

Anyone who believes they witnessed the incident, or believes they may have captured any dashcam or CCTV footage, is asked to contact police via the non-emergency number 101 quoting ISR 948 of May 27.

They can also report information online, speak to an operator in the force communications room via online web chat, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously online or by calling 0800 555 111.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in