Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Thursday 10th April 2025 at 06:55hrs
Matthew Higgins, 36, of Brook Lane, Northwich, has been found guilty of the murder of his 37-year-old friend, David Eaton.
The verdict was delivered yesterday, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, following a two-and-a-half-week trial at Chester Crown Court.
Higgins had previously denied the murder charge relating to the death of Mr. Eaton on Saturday, September 28, 2024. However, the jury found him guilty.
Higgins had earlier pleaded guilty to a separate charge of assaulting an emergency worker.
The tragic incident unfolded at Higgins’ address on Brook Lane at around 3:35 pm on September 28, 2024.
Police were called to the scene following reports of a stabbing. It emerged that Higgins and Mr. Eaton, who were friends, had been at the property along with a 41-year-old woman, and all three were intoxicated.
Neighbours reported hearing a woman screaming before being approached in the street by Higgins, who had blood on his hands and told them, “I’ve stabbed my mate.”
Police and paramedics swiftly arrived at the scene, where they found Higgins attempting to administer first aid to Mr. Eaton inside the property.
Higgins reportedly told officers at the scene that Mr. Eaton “fell on the knife.”
Despite the best efforts of both officers and paramedics, David Eaton was pronounced dead shortly after 4:00 pm.
A subsequent investigation revealed that he died from two stab wounds to the heart.
Both Higgins and the woman present at the address were initially arrested on suspicion of murder.
While in custody, Higgins reportedly became aggressive and headbutted a police officer, requiring several officers to restrain him. The woman was later released with no further action.
Higgins was formally charged with murder and assaulting an emergency worker on Monday, September 30, 2024.
Following the guilty verdict, the family of David Eaton released a heartfelt statement:
“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 commented on the case, stating:
“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.”
Matthew Higgins is scheduled to appear back at Chester Crown Court on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, for sentencing.
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