Murder investigation launched after man stabbed to death on Holyhead Road

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The attack happened in a church car park at about 10pm on Thursday evening



Police have launched a murder investigation after a man was found with fatal stab injuries on the Holyhead Road.

The victim, believed to be in his 20s, was found near the junction with Northumberland Road just after 10pm yesterday evening (Thursday).

It is understood the man was involved in an altercation at the nearby Unitarian Church car park where he was stabbed in the chest before staggering to a nearby house on Holyhead Road in search of help.

Ambulance crews were called but, despite the best efforts of paramedics, the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Several addresses and the Great Meeting House Unitarian Church car park have been sealed off for a full forensic search and to protect evidence.

Detectives are examining CCTV covering the scene and surrounding streets in the hope it will shed light on what happened and identify suspects.

The victim’s next of kin have been informed and a specially trained Family Liaison Officer is supporting relatives.

Det Insp Shaun Egan, from West Midlands Police, said: “We understand there was some kind of altercation in a nearby church car park which resulted in the man being stabbed.

“He staggered to an address in Holyhead Road where he collapsed and later died.

“We’ve carried out local enquiries and already spoken to several people who have reported hearing shouting moments before the 999 call was made.

“Holyhead Road is one of the busiest in Coventry and I’m sure there are potentially many witnesses who may have seen the incident or the moments before or immediately afterwards.

“If anyone was in Holyhead Road at around the time last night I’d urge them to get in touch as they may hold important information.”

Anyone with information is asked to call West Midlands Police Force CID on the 101 number, or alternatively speak to the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

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Police name victim of fatal stabbing in Coventry



A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a fatal stabbing in Coventry on Thursday night.

Police have also named the victim as 27-year-old Liam McGerrigan who died after suffering stab wounds to the chest in Holyhead Road.

He staggered to a house in the busy street in search of help after it was believed he was in an altercation in the nearby Unitarian Church car park at around 10pm.

Mr McGerrigan was pronounced dead at the scene and West Midlands Police say that a 33-year-old local man was arrested in Tile Hill yesterday.

He is currently in police custody and is being questioned by detectives.

Officers are still keen to hear from anyone who may have seen an altercation near the church on Thursday night.

Detective Inspector Shaun Egan, from West Midlands Police Force CID, said: “A young man has tragically lost his life and we are still piecing together the circumstances of what happened that night.

“We believe there was an altercation and Liam staggered to an address in Holyhead Road where he collapsed.

“This was on a busy road and we believe there may be witnesses out there who can help with our investigation.”

Flowers and tributes to Mr McGerrigan have been left at the scene in Holyhead Road, with one message reading: ‘Can’t believe you’re gone. My thoughts and prayers are with your family today and forever. I’m heartbroken and will never forget you’.

Another simply said ‘Taken from us too soon. Such a beautiful person inside and out’.

Anyone with information is asked to call West Midlands Police Force CID on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Police were stopping everyone who walked on that side of the road yesterday. I think think they might have more luck questioning the itinerants in nearby Northumberland Road.

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Second man arrested after fatal stabbing of Liam McGerrigan

A second man has been arrested on suspicion of murder following the fatal stabbing of Liam McGerrigan in Coventry on Thursday night.

West Midlands Police have confirmed a 25-year-old Coventry man was arrested in the Devon area on Saturday.

Detectives have also been given extra time to question a 33 year-old man who was arrested in Tile Hill on Friday. The 36-hour extension runs until Monday afternoon.

Mr McGerrigan died after suffering stab wounds to the chest in Holyhead Road near the junction of Northumberland Road.

Anyone with information is asked to call West Midlands Police Force CID on 101, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

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Pair charged with murder after Coventry death appear in court

Two men charged with the murder of Coventry man Liam McGerrigan have appeared in court.

The 27-year-old died after suffering stab wounds to the chest in Holyhead Road, Coundon, on Thursday, June 9.

Joseph Johnson, 25, of no fixed address, and Michael Bullingham, 33, of Banner Lane, Tile Hill North, Coventry, both appeared at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court this morning after being charged last night.

The pair, who are both unemployed, were remanded in custody to appear at crown court on Thursday.

Mr McGerrigan’s family have paid tribute to him in a touching statement, which reads: “When did silence become so painful? Our loss of such a kind, warm, sensitive soul taken from us in such a senseless manner has devastated us all.

“Amongst our tears... We find your beautiful smile Liam.

“Loving parents Paul and Linda, devoted Step-mum Sue, distraught siblings and soul mates Kieran and Sinead who’s worlds have changed forever.

“Hugs and kisses to all affected by the loss of our Liam.”

A number of flowers have been laid at the entrance to the church car park and among the touching handwritten messages were ‘For our wonderful nephew - a light has been switched off in our lives today’ and ‘Can’t believe you’re gone. My thoughts and prayers are with your family today and forever. I’m heartbroken and will never forget you’.

Another simply said ‘Taken from us too soon. Such a beautiful person inside and out’.

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Men deny murder charges after Holyhead Road stabbing

Two men charged with the murder of Coventry man Liam McGerrigan have pleaded not guilty.

Joseph Johnson, 25, of no fixed address and Michael Bullingham, 33, of Banner Lane, Tile Hill , Coventry appeared at Birmingham Crown Court today. They pleaded not guilty to the murder of Liam McGerrigan who died on the evening of Thursday, June 9.

The pair are expected to stand trial in November.

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Holyhead Road murder trial jury discharged on day two of case

The jury in the murder trial of Coventry man Liam McGerrigan has been discharged.

Judge Simon Drew took the decision to discharge the jury at Birmingham Crown Court after an issue arose with one of the 12 members of the jury.

Two men stand accused of murdering 27-year-old Mr McGerrigan after he died from a stab wound at a house in Holyhead Road on June 9 this year.

Michael Bullingham, 33, of Banner Lane, Tile Hill , and Joseph Johnson, 25, of no fixed address, both deny murder.

John Butterfield QC, for the prosecution, had begun to open the case against the pair, but the issue with the juror means he will have to restart his opening once a new jury is sworn in.

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Violent man who stabbed "warm, sensitive soul" in motiveless attack jailed for life



A man has been jailed for life over the ‘motiveless’ murder of a man who was stabbed to death in a church car park back in June.

Liam McGerrigan was fatally stabbed after being confronted by two other men on a church car park on Holyhead Road on June 9.

Joseph Johnson, of no fixed address, had admitted manslaughter at an earlier hearing but following a five-week trial at Birmingham Crown Court, he was found guilty of murder and was yesterday jailed for 25 years.

The court heard how 27-year-old Liam and a friend were walking towards their car having visited a pizza parlour when they were set upon by the 25-year-old.

First picture of Tollbar dangerous driver who is behind bars for Christmas

Liam’s friend managed to escape without injury but Liam was stabbed in the chest.

He staggered back to his friend’s house in Holyhead Road but died in his arms.

The jury heard how Johnson fled the area following the attack – but West Midlands Police detectives traced him to Devon where he was arrested days after the attack.

And following two days of deliberation, the jury found him guilty of murder.

Detective Inspector Shaun Egan, from the force’s homicide team, said: “Liam has been described as being a happy, kind and sensitive person who was always willing to help out his friends.

“In fact on the night he died he was visiting his friend to help with some DIY.

“Johnson was intent on violence that night and had been driving around the area where he had armed himself with a knife and hammer.

“The motive for that attack will always remain unclear and this is a tragic case.

“We hope that today’s result gives some comfort to Liam’s family and friends who continue to come to terms with the tragic loss of their loved one.”

Michael Bullingham, aged 33, also stood trial for murder by joint enterprise but was found not guilty.

I'll hazard a guess the motive involved drug dealing in some way?

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Thug who knifed man in 'motiveless' murder was already on the run over pub stabbing

A thug went on to murder a defenceless Coventry man while being hunted by police over a stabbing just weeks earlier.

Liam McGerrigan, 27, was knifed in a church car park in June after being confronted by Joseph Johnson, 27.

Johnson stabbed him in the chest in Holyhead Road in what police termed a motiveless murder.

The yob was this week jailed for life and will not be eligible for parole for at least 25 years.

Now it has emerged that another man, John Bates, was stabbed by Johnson just a month earlier.

He was being hunted by police over that attack when he murdered “kind” and “happy” Liam.

Mr Bates’ mum Catherine told the Telegraph how her son was stabbed by Johnson in the Bell Inn in Station Avenue, Tile Hill .

She said Mr Bates, 23, had previously reported being threatened by the thug but had been told by police: “It’s your word against his”.

She said: “The first time he threatened John, I phoned the police. But I was told that it was his word against the other. There were witnesses though that heard what happened.”

She said John was threatened again at the Massey Ferguson Club in Broad Lane: “I phoned the police to say he has been threatened again.

“The third time, we went to watch as tribute show at the Bell Inn. I had to watch him get stabbed that night.”

The mum-of-one said the Johnson had tried to attack her before going on to glass her son. After a scuffle between the pair, Mrs Bates reported that Johnson ran out of the pub before coming back and stabbing Mr Bates.

She said that Johnson, who has no fixed address, went on the run.

She explained: “For four hours, we didn’t know what was happening to John. The doctor said two inches over and it would have stabbed his kidney and he could have died.”

Mrs Bates said the feeling of nearly losing her son was intensified after they were given his bloody coat back.

She said: “When they came back with his coat, my husband broke down because of the amount of blood on it.

“Johnson had every intention of stabbing my son. Three times he went looking for my son and tried to stab him and no mother should have to watch their child get stabbed.

She said her son now suffers from post-traumatic stress and needs counselling.

Mrs Bates said: “No one understands more than it could have him who was killed. It could have easily been our son that died. He’s suffering really bad.”

Liam McGerrigan was fatally stabbed after being confronted on a church car park on Holyhead Road on June 9.

Joseph Johnson, of no fixed address, was found guilty of murder and section 18 wounding.

He was given a four year and eight month sentence for the attack on Mr Bates which will run concurrently with his life murder sentence.

West Midlands Police said they were called to the Bell Inn on Friday May 6 at around 10.45pm over reports that a man had been stabbed.