Man found guilty of the murder of his friend in Northwich
The verdict followed a two week long trial at Chester Crown Court
A man from Northwich has been found guilty of the murder of his friend.
37-year-old David Eaton was fatally stabbed on Saturday 28th September 2024 in the town.
Matthew Higgins, aged 36, of Brook Lane, Northwich, previously denied the charge but was found guilty on Wednesday 9th April 2025 following a two-and-a-half week trial at Chester Crown Court.
He also pleaded guilty to a separate charge of assaulting an emergency worker.
Higgins will appear back at Chester Crown Court on Tuesday 15th April 2025 for sentence.
At around 3.35pm on 28th September 2024, police were called to reports of someone being stabbed at an address in Brook Lane, Northwich.
This was Higgins’ address, who was friends with David. The pair had been together at the property along with a 41-year-old woman and 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'.
Emergency services went to 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 gave first aid but 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.
The woman was ultimately released with no further action against her, while Higgins was charged with murder, and assaulting an emergency worker.
Following the guilty verdict, the family of David Eaton 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.”