Stab victim ‘may have taken photo of his killer’
MAN, 38, TOLD GIRLFRIEND ‘I LOVE YOU’ BEFORE DYING IN HER ARMS
A DAD who died after he was stabbed in Wythenshawe may have taken a picture of his murderer seconds earlier.
Police have confirmed they are aware of a picture on Shaun Murphy’s phone which is ‘forming part of their investigation’ into the violent attack on Greenbrow Road in Newall Green.
Witnesses to the alleged stabbing claim he captured an image of his assailant moments before suffering catastrophic injuries.
They claim the picture, taken just seconds before dad-of-one Shaun was attacked, was ‘as clear as day.’
Such a rare piece of photographic evidence could prove vital in the police investigation.
Yesterday, Kelly Fielding, Shaun’s girlfriend, told how the 38-year-old labourer lay dying in her arms after telling her he loved her.
Shaun who lived in Wythenshawe, was pronounced dead in hospital on Saturday morning.
Kelly, a mum-of-four, said: “I got him out of the car on to the roadside, I gave him CPR, he was losing so much blood.
“He looked up at me, I told him not to give up, he smiled at me, told me he loved me, then he was gone.”
Paramedics battled to save Shaun’s life, but he died from his injuries.
Kelly said: “Shaun always worked hard to give his son a better life than he had growing up.
“He was so kind – lots of people took his kindness as a weakness but he knew how to handle himself.
“Really though, he was a soft teddy bear. He didn’t like drama or trouble, he was always the mediator. He doesn’t like falling out with anyone. He always wanted the best for other people. I loved him, I miss him.”
She added: “He had so much ahead, he wanted to travel, we were planning our first holiday together. He couldn’t wait for the future really.
“We were planning to go to Blackpool to lay flowers for my dad who died last year on Sunday.
“On Thursday he had bought me a promise ring. We were so happy together.”
Just a week earlier, Kelly said Shaun had got his first tattoo – her name on his neck.
Supt Steve Howard, from GMP’s City of Manchester Team, said: “First of all my thoughts are with the man’s family at this horrific time.
“What they are going through is unimaginable.
“We have launched a murder investigation and we are working hard to piece together what happened.
“We are appealing for anyone who saw the incident or saw anyone acting suspiciously, or looking like they had been injured, to get in touch.
“Any information, no matter how small, could be vital to our investigation.
“There will be an increased police presence in the area as we piece together what exactly happened and as a reassurance to the local community.”
Police have arrested a 23-year-old man on suspicion of murder. He remained in custody for questioning.
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 8797, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.