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A teenager has appeared in court today charged with the murder of a Medway man.
George Knights, 18, of Delce Road, Rochester, appeared before magistrates this morning accused of the murder of Stephen Chapman, who was found dead in a property in the road.
Police were called to Delce Road on Sunday, October 25, where they found Mr Chapman's body inside a property.
Following an investigation by the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, one charge of murder was authorised by the Crown Prosecution Service, against Knights.
He was kept in custody and appeared via video link at Medway Magistrates’ Court this morning, where his case was sent to Maidstone Crown Court.
Knights, wearing a grey top and mask, spoke only to confirm his name, age and address.
He is due to next appear at Maidstone Crown Court on Friday, October 30.
A 19-year-old man who was arrested during the investigation on suspicion of drug-related offences has been released on bail, pending further inquiries, until Tuesday, November 17.
Fundraisers have been pulling together to help support the family of Mr Chapman, known as Ginger to his friends.
He was found dead after police were called to reports of a burglary in process at 10am on Sunday.
Friends of the family have set up a GoFundMe page which has so far raised £2,143.
Organisers wrote: "We have set this page up to help Becky and his family raise some money towards gingers funeral costs and any expenses and money towards Ginger's children.
'Good memories taken from us in a cruel way. We will get justice for you....'
"Becky would love for all of you to send any nice photos you have to him so we can add them all to a tribute page.
"Please share the go fund me page so we can raise as much money as possible to give him the send off he deserves and to take some financial stress off of his family."
Concerns for Mr Chapman were raised after he went out on Friday night, and police are now appealing for witnesses who saw anything suspicious or unusual between the hours of 11.30pm on Friday, October 23 to 10am on Sunday, October 25 in the areas of Delce Road and Foord Road.
In particular, investigators would like to hear from local residents with CCTV and motorists with dash cam who were in the area at that time.
Police officers and forensic teams were at the scene throughout Sunday and Monday, and residents reported seeing sniffer dog teams being used on Sunday night.
An alleyway between Foord Road and Ross Street was also cordoned off.
Friends, family and well-wishers have since taken to social media to pay tribute to Mr Chapman and offer words of support to his family.
Commenting on Medway Messenger's Facebook page, Jamie Smith wrote: "RIP ginge, will miss you mate, you had us all laughing at everything you did mate.
"Good memories taken from us in a cruel way. We will get justice for you."
Maxine Julian wrote: "So sad another family left devastated," while Janette Wilson added: "So sad RIP Stephen thoughts are with his family xx."
Family and friends are due to meet on Friday at Luton Rec for a gathering in honour of Mr Chapman, and to let off balloons in his memory.
Anyone with information is asked to call Kent Police appeals line on 01634 792209 quoting reference number 46/XY/19365/20.
Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers in Kent anonymously on 0800 555 111.
To get the latest updates in ongoing cases, police appeals and criminals put behind bars, click here
