Father and son found guilty of murdering man in Downham Market
Wayne and Riley Peckham will be sentenced on Thursday 13 April 2023
A father and son have been found guilty of murdering man in Downham Market.
Wayne Peckham, 48 and his 23-year-old son Riley were convicted by a jury of seven men and five women at Norwich Crown Court following a six-week trial.
The pair denied murdering Matthew Rodwell, 39, who had been in a relationship with Wayne’s wife and Riley’s mother.
The court heard the “brutal” attack happened at Wayne’s ex-partner’s home in Bulrush Close on 23 January last year.
Despite the best efforts of the officers and paramedics, Matthew was pronounced dead at the scene.
Wayne and Riley Peckham will be sentenced on Thursday 13 April 2023.
"This was a harrowing and brutal murder"
Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Chris Burgess, from the Major Investigation Team, welcomed the conviction.
He said: “This was a harrowing and brutal murder and I know some of the evidence given in court, especially the 999 call, has been difficult to listen to.
“In this call, we hear the final frightening moments of Matthew’s life, a life taken by the actions of two men overcome with jealousy and rage, acting like a pack of animals.
“I want to thank the family and friends of Matthew for their patience, support and bravery throughout this investigation and I’m grateful the correct verdict has been reached by the jury in this case.
"Our thoughts remain with Matthew’s family and friends, and we will continue to support them for as long as they need.
“This was one of two murder investigations launched on the same night following the tragic death of 19-year-old Lauren Malt who was killed in nearby West Winch.
"While the timing and proximity of the incidents created challenges, we had sufficient resources in place to handle the murder investigations, both of which have led to the offenders being prosecuted.”