‘We can’t believe that he’s gone’
THE brothers of a man murdered in his flat say they have no idea why anyone would have attacked their “lovable” and “hilarious” sibling.
Phillip Owen was much-loved and “a leader not a follower”, said his brothers Jonathan and Paul.
The 42-year-old was found dead in Urmston, Manchester, a week ago last Sunday after being stabbed in the neck.
He was the youngest of three brothers and was born in Caernarfon and raised in the nearby Nantlle Valley.
Jonathan, 44, and Paul, 43, said they could not believe he was dead.
“We had to go and tell our father Vernon,” said Paul. “He’s 73 and not very well. He’s taken it badly, as we all have.”
Phillip is the second son Mr Owen has lost, as his firstborn, Vincent, who would have been 46 this year, died as a young child.
The brothers had to visit a hospital in Manchester to identify Phillip’s body.
Jonathan said: “We later met the detectives investigating Phillip’s death, and they said they are doing everything they can to find out who did it and why.”
Speaking at Paul’s flat in Caernarfon, the brothers and Phillip’s friend, Rachel McDermott, recalled happier times.
Paul said: “He was lovable and could be hilarious. Wherever he worked, he made friends and people loved him. He was a leader and not a follower.”
A former chef, Phillip had switched careers and worked on construction sites.
“That’s how he got to move to Manchester,” added Paul. “He worked on the new court building in Caernarfon and got to know the other workers, who were from Manchester.
“When the job finished (in 2009), they suggested he go back with them. They helped him find somewhere to live and he quickly found work.”
Rachel said: “He was a good friend and I’ll miss him. He was due to come and cook my Christmas dinner.”
Describing Phillip as a hard worker, she said they had gone to see a concert together at Manchester’s Etihad Stadium last summer.
“He was still in his work clothes, but that’s how he was,” she said.
“He worked long hours but knew how to enjoy himself. We had a great night.”
Despite living in England, Jonathan said Phillip remained a proud Welshman.
Detectives arrested a 24-year-old man last week in connection with Phillip’s death.