TWO teenagers accused of stabbing and slashing 35-year-old Edward Reeve to death have been found guilty of murder.

A 16-year-old boy from Christchurch and a 17-year-old boy from Bournemouth were accused of murdering Mr Reeve in his home in Heath Road, Walkford on New Year’s Eve 2021.

The pair were said to have gone to his home to drink and smoke drugs but became “aggressive” and started punching the walls.

READ MORE: Edward Reeve murder trial: Teenage killers GUILTY

They then attacked him with two knives, stabbing him in the back, front and slashing his face.

Mr Reeve was found four days later, on January 4, by two friends who were concerned they hadn’t heard from him.

He had more than 12 stab and slash wounds, including a wound which severed the main artery draining the liver.

Following approximately seven hours of deliberations, a 12-person jury found the defendants unanimously guilty of murder at Winchester Crown Court.

The Bournemouth teen was also found guilty of carrying a knife, a charged his codefendant had already admitted.

The teenagers, one carrying a small stress ball and one wearing a crucifix, were sent down by the judge as he adjourned the hearing for sentencing at a later date.

After hearing the verdicts, prosecutor Riel Karmy-Jones QC told the court the Bournemouth teen had previous convictions.

In September 2020 he was convicted of being in possession of a knife in a public place and received a referral order.

Ms Karmy-Jones QC said police were called to reports of an assault in a park in Poole.

Upon arrival, they discovered a large group of youths shouting at each other. An officer spotted the Bournemouth teen wielding a knife estimated to be about eight inches in length.

When challenged, he attempted to put the blade down his trousers. He became threatening once officers managed to catch him up, the prosecutor said.

In September 2021 the Bournemouth teen was in Bournemouth Crown Court charged with attempted robbery, theft and burglary.

He pleaded guilty to the offences, Ms Karmy-Jones QC said.

The Christchurch teen had no previous convictions.

Mr Reeve was a part-time musician and also worked in customer services at the Tesco in New Milton.

Speaking after his death, his mum Jane Newey said: “I just don't believe it. "It doesn't seem real. It doesn't seem fair. He didn't deserve it if you ask me."

Neither teen can be named.