Teen who killed his mum with hammer detained under mental health act indefinitely

Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Tuesday 18th March 2025, at 14:35hrs

An 18-year-old man, Frederico Canuzo, has been detained indefinitely under the Mental Health Act after admitting to the manslaughter of his mother, 48-year-old Chintzia McIntyre, in Great Sankey, Warrington.

Canuzo appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, where he received his sentence. He had previously pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility on January 27, 2025.

The court heard that on August 29, 2023, at approximately 9:40 am, Cheshire Police were alerted to an attack on a woman outside her home on Phoenix Place.

Upon arrival, officers and paramedics found Chintzia McIntyre with severe head injuries, inflicted by a claw hammer. Tragically, she was pronounced dead at the scene.

The alarm was raised by Chintzia’s husband, who was working away from home at the time. He received a notification on his phone from his video doorbell, which captured the horrific attack. The footage showed Canuzo assaulting his mother before fleeing the scene.

Police investigations revealed that Canuzo had boarded a train to London Euston. Working in conjunction with British Transport Police and the Metropolitan Police, Cheshire Police were able to apprehend Canuzo upon his arrival in London.

He was subsequently returned to Cheshire and charged with murder on August 30, 2023.

The prosecution accepted his guilty plea to manslaughter based on compelling medical evidence, which supported his claim of diminished responsibility.

During sentencing, the judge ordered Canuzo to be detained under a Hospital Order and a Restriction Order. This means he will remain in a secure hospital indefinitely, until medical professionals determine he no longer poses a risk to the public.

Detective Inspector Eli Atkinson, who led the investigation, expressed his condolences and emphasized the severity of the incident.

“This was an exceptionally traumatic incident for all those involved, especially Chintzia’s family and neighbours and emergency services who tried to help her,” he stated.

“While nothing can ever be done to bring Chintzia back, I do hope that the conclusion of this case will bring her family some closure. Our thoughts remain with Chintzia’s friends and family at this time, and we would like to thank them for their assistance throughout our investigation.”