Murderer caught after cops follow trail of blood from victim, 47, who was stabbed in TV remote row as son pays tribute
A MURDERER was caught after cops followed a trail of blood from the victim after he was stabbed in a TV remote row.
James Murray, 47, died in Wythenshawe, Manchester, after being fatally knifed by his flatmate Scott Thomson, 57.
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The pair of pals had moved in together after initially meeting at a hostel.
But as the months went by the "co-dependent" relationship soured as Thomson became increasingly suspicious of his flatmate.
Tensions surrounding a new TV bought for the flat began to flare, with Thomson claiming that Murray was hogging the remote.
On December 4 last year, an argument over the TV remote escalated, with tragic consequences.
Thomson grabbed a 19cm blade and lashed out at his flatmate with the large knife causing fatal damage.
The weapon caused an 8cm wound, penetrating through Murray's ribcage and going "straight into his heart".
He manage to stagger outside bleeding but Murray then collapsed and died in the street despite the efforts of paramedics to save him.
A trail of blood led officers to Thomson's flat, where further evidence of the violent altercation was discovered.
Thomson fled the scene but was arrested the next day after approaching cops and admitting his involvement.
Thomson was handed a life sentence with a minimum term of 18 years for killing Murray in a hearing at Manchester Crown Court yesterday.
In a powerful victim impact statement read out in court, James' son said: 'I would like to pass on thanks to my family liaison officer for all the help and support they have provided to me and my family throughout this process.
"There is no way to fully express the depth of pain and loss that my father's murder has caused.
'My dad, James, was funny, laid back, and incredibly personable. He had a gift for making people laugh, often by winding us up in a way that only he could.
"That was his way—he brought joy and light into every room he entered. He may not have been an angel, he may not have lived the best life, but he was my dad.
'Since the day he was taken from us, my life has changed completely. I am constantly reminded of what has happened. I consistently feel the pain of his murder, there is not a day that goes by that I don't feel the weight of his absence.
"I struggle to sleep. I struggle to have a 'normal' day. Even the simplest things have become difficult without him here.
'What hurts the most is knowing that due to Scott Thompson taking my dad's life, I no longer have the opportunity to create new memories with my dad or share my life with him. No milestones, no quiet chats, no laughter, no future together.
"The loss of his life is greater than just the loss of a person—it's the loss of time, connection, and a relationship that can never be replaced.
'No sentence can bring him back, but I hope justice can reflect the seriousness of the pain inflicted on our family, and the irreplaceable life that was taken from us.
'The way in which James was taken from the world is a constant memory, a constant image for which I will never be able to unsee and this being solely due to Scott Thomson's actions on December 4 2024.
'I want Scott Thomson to know his actions will never be forgotten or forgiven.'
If he is ever released from prison Thomson will be subject to licence for the rest of his life.
Senior Investigating Officer Duncan Thorpe said: 'Firstly, our thoughts remain with James' family and friends at this time.
'This was a tragic and totally avoidable incident that highlights the devastating impact knife crime can have. There is no doubt that this issue could have been resolved without weapons.
'Today's sentencing should be a strong deterrent for those carrying and using a knife.'
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