A Northwich man has been found guilty of murder after fatally stabbing his friend in a drunken row. Matthew Higgins, 36, was convicted today (9 April) at Chester Crown Court for the murder of 37-year-old David Eaton. He was also found guilty of assaulting an emergency worker during his arrest.
The fatal incident took place on the afternoon of 28 September 2024 at Higgins’ home on Brook Lane, Northwich. The court heard that Higgins, David, and a 41-year-old woman had spent the day drinking together at the property before tensions escalated.
At around 3.35pm, neighbours reported hearing a woman screaming and were then approached by a blood-soaked Higgins, who allegedly said: “I’ve stabbed my mate.”
Emergency services arrived to find Higgins attempting to perform first aid on David inside the property. He told officers that David had “fallen on the knife.” Despite rapid medical intervention, David was pronounced dead shortly after 4pm. A post-mortem confirmed he died from two stab wounds to the heart.
Higgins was arrested at the scene and later became aggressive in custody, headbutting a police officer. He required restraint by several officers and was subsequently charged with both murder and assaulting an emergency worker.
The woman at the scene was also arrested but released without further action.
David Eaton’s devastated family released a statement following the verdict:
“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 of Cheshire Police said:
“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.”
She added: “I hope the fact that Higgins has now been held accountable for his actions will help bring some closure to David’s loved ones.”
Matthew Higgins is due to be sentenced on Tuesday, 15 April, at Chester Crown Court.
