Blackburn mother killed by unknown assailant while waiting on doorstep
In a shocking and tragic incident that sent shockwaves through the Blackburn community, a man has pleaded guilty to the murder of a woman he had never met before.
The heart-wrenching incident unfolded as the woman sat on her doorstep, enjoying a quiet moment with a cigarette.
Anthony Stinson, aged 31, had initially denied the charges of murdering 31-year-old Charlotte Wilcock on March 4th. However, as his trial commenced at Preston Crown Court, Stinson changed his plea to guilty. The court heard that Ms. Wilcock was brutally stabbed 50 times at her residence on Primrose Terrace, Blackburn, all while her infant child slept upstairs.
Hailing from Darwen, Stinson is set to receive his sentence on Thursday for this appalling crime. Reports suggest that he had approached Ms. Wilcock’s home around 9:10 PM GMT and launched a merciless attack on her. The assault didn’t stop at the doorstep; it continued inside her home, leaving her lifeless body behind the front door, according to Lancashire Police.
In a display of extreme violence, Stinson not only stabbed and slashed at Ms. Wilcock’s body but also kicked and stamped on her. Shockingly, her 15-month-old daughter was present in the house at the time, left alone upstairs until authorities were alerted the following day.
When apprehended by law enforcement, Stinson claimed that he believed he had killed someone, citing his struggle with psychosis and delusions involving the devil. However, a meticulous investigation utilizing phone records and CCTV footage helped authorities reconstruct Stinson’s movements and actions leading up to the crime.
Startlingly, detectives uncovered that less than an hour before the murder, Stinson had been filming rap videos with a friend, featuring lyrics that disturbingly alluded to taking a life. CCTV footage captured Stinson purchasing alcohol and cigarettes just 15 minutes before the assault occurred.
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Haworth-Oates expressed bewilderment at Stinson’s motives, noting that the attack was characterized by its brutality. Stinson repeatedly slashed at Ms. Wilcock’s body using a Stanley knife, inflicting over 50 wounds, alongside punches and kicks. The extent of the violence is particularly unsettling given the fact that Ms. Wilcock had no prior connection to Stinson. She was simply enjoying a cigarette on her doorstep, a moment of normalcy that was tragically disrupted.
The loss of Charlotte Wilcock has had a profound impact on her family and loved ones. Her family released a statement describing their devastation and heartbreak. In their tribute, they remembered her as a dedicated mother who was cherished by many. They mourned the void left by her absence, especially for her two children, who now face the daunting prospect of growing up without their mother.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this senseless act, the memory of Charlotte Wilcock serves as a poignant reminder of the preciousness of life and the need to protect and cherish one another.
By: M Z Hossain, Editor Sky Buzz Feed
