The family of one of two men killed in a triple stabbing have vowed to get justice as they paid tribute to the victim.
Adam Fanelli, 39, and Patrick Howard, 27, were found dead early Sunday morning following an attack on three men in Houghton Regis, Bedfordshire.
Earlier this week, the surviving victim, Mason Jordan, shared he was on the road to recovery and paid tribute to Patrick from his hospital bed.
Today Bedfordshire Police announced that Nicholas Papworth, 31, and Curtis Long, 32, have been charged with two counts of murder, one count of attempted murder, three counts of conspiracy to murder and three counts of conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm.
Both men are due to appear in court this afternoon.
Police also arrested a third man, in his 40s, last night on suspicion of two counts of murder and one count of attempted murder. He remains in police custody.
Adam's heartbroken family paid tribute to him, saying: “Words could never explain the impact this tragedy has had, and will forever hold, over our family and this community. Our thoughts and prayers of strength are with the other families involved.
“Adam was undoubtedly a loving and devoted dad to his three wonderful children. For someone small in stature he had an extremely larger than life character and a heart bigger than a house. He was a person that emulated ‘once met never forgotten’ in every way possible. He’s going to be missed eternally, leaving a void that could never be filled.
“The family would like to thank everyone for their messages of support and beautiful tributes to both Adam and Pat.”
Also paying tribute, Patrick’s family said: “Patrick was the most lovable, cheeky chap you could meet. He would have done anything for anybody and had the biggest heart of gold. He was the heart and soul of the community, with not a person who didn’t love him.
“Patrick will be missed immensely and has left such a hole in too many hearts. If love could have saved Patrick, he would have lived forever.
"Adam’s family will forever be in our hearts and prayers.”
Adam's family also took to social media to share their grief.
Skye Fanelli wrote: "hope you both get the justice yous deserve pat & ad. just a shame yous aint home with your family and kids."
Yesterday, she shared an image showing a tribute to Adam alongside his photo. Next to it is a tribute to Patrick Howard, who was also pronounced dead at the scene on Sunday morning.
In a separate post, she wrote: "It's such a horrible world. Ad ill miss not seeing you and having little conversations and giving me money even though I say it's fine you always insisted I took it.
"It brought every emotion back from when my dad past its so hard but I know you'll be with tony and my dad.
"I'll miss not seeing you in Bedford square every day after school."
Another family member paid tribute to Adam, writing: "RIP ADZ I still can't believe it. Although ya my son's half brother u know we always saw each other as family.
"Make sure ya behave up there, coz ad I have had word with God and told him that he's got my permission that if ya don't then ya get good hiding lol.... Will never forget how we first met PMSL we had jokes from day 1 and don't worry about ya kids and missus will make sure they are always good. And will always keep in touch. XOXO."
On Tuesday, Mason Jordan took to social media from his hospital bed and described the "rollercoaster of emotions" he was going through as he paid tribute to the first victim Patrick.
Mason, who is in a serious but stable condition, wrote: "Words can’t describe the rollercoaster of emotions I'm going thru rn now you’ve been on my mind all day I've cried all the tears out my body for u till there's not a tear left!
"I love you, my brudda… my killy Patrick Howard and for all the messages n prays I've received it's crazy we on the road to recovery."
Others who knew Patrick paid tribute saying they will love him forever and he will be deeply missed.
Police were called to Tithe Farm Road shortly before 1.20am on Sunday following reports of a man being struck by a vehicle.
When they arrived they found three men suffering from stab wounds. Two were pronounced dead at the scene and one was taken to the hospital with serious injuries.
Police have said the families are being supported by specialist officers.
Two men have been charged, and a third arrested, as police continue their investigation into the deaths.
T/Detective Superintendent Carl Foster, from the Bedfordshire Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit, said: “Our thoughts remain with the loved ones of both Adam and Patrick, we also wish the third victim a full and speedy recovery.
“I wish to renew my thanks to everyone who has come forward with information so far. Our enquires into the events leading up to this fatal stabbing are ongoing, and we are still keen to hear from anyone that can support our investigation.
“This is an extremely violent incident that has taken place in a community that has been greatly affected. We are committed to ensuring anyone involved in this brutal attack is brought to justice.”
Anyone with information can contact the investigation team via beds.police.uk/ro/report or by calling 101 and quoting Operation Crux.
Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
