A man has been found guilty of murder after fatally stabbing his friend in Northwich.
Matthew Higgins (pictured) of Brook Lane, Northwich, killed 37-year-old David Eaton on September 28, 2024.
Higgins (36) was found guilty yesterday, following a two-and-a-half week trial at Chester Crown Court. He pleaded guilty to a separate charge of assaulting an emergency worker. Higgins will appear back at Chester Crown Court next Tuesday for sentence.
At around 3.35pm on September 28, reports were made to police that someone had been stabbed at a house in Brook Lane, Northwich (Higgins’ address).
Higgins had been at the house with David, and a 41-year-old woman. All three were intoxicated.
Neighbours reported hearing a female screaming and then being approached in the street by Higgins, who had blood on his hands, and told them “I’ve stabbed my mate”.
Police and paramedics attended the scene where they found Higgins with David inside the address, attempting to administer first aid. He told police, “he fell on the knife”.
Officers and paramedics provided first aid however despite their best efforts, paramedics pronounced David dead shortly after 4pm.
He died from two stab wounds to the heart.
Both Higgins and the woman were arrested on suspicion of murder. Higgins became aggressive while in custody and headbutted an officer. Several officers were required to bring him under control.
The woman was released with no further action against her.
David’s family said: “Regardless of the verdict, what happened has changed our lives forever. It has been a distressing and emotional few weeks.
“We have lost a son, brother, dad and nephew and nothing can change the devastation caused to our family.”
Detective inspector Eleanor Atkinson added: “This was a senseless crime which could easily have been avoided. Higgins let his anger after an argument get the better of him, foolishly choosing to pick up a knife – with devastating consequences.
“Despite his admissions at the scene which were heard by multiple witnesses, Higgins refused to accept responsibility for David’s death and put his family through the ordeal of a trial.
“I welcome the verdict reached by the jury and although nothing will bring David back, I hope the fact that Higgins has now been held accountable for his death will help to bring some closure to his friends and family. Our thoughts remain with them at this time.”
