Anthony Junior Murray, 25, has been convicted of murdering his sister's boyfriend, Joe Burton, 23, after a pet monitoring camera recorded the fatal stabbing and contradicted his false accounts to police. The incident occurred on New Year's Eve 2025 at Murray's flat on Tarn Drive in Redvales, Bury.
Pet Camera Captures Fatal Stabbing
The killing was captured on a video camera installed to monitor Murray's two dogs, Zarla and Beau Beau. Prosecutor Rob Hall told Minshull Street Crown Court that Murray stabbed Burton once in the left upper back with a combat knife, penetrating to a depth of approximately 18cm—nearly the full blade length. The stabbing took place at 11:49pm on December 31, 2025, in the doorway between the corridor and living room.
Murray initially told police he had left the flat and returned to find Burton bleeding to death. He later claimed another person was responsible. However, when shown the dog camera footage, he admitted to the stabbing but argued self-defense, asserting he wrestled the knife from Burton during a struggle.
Background of the Incident
Burton had an on-off relationship with Murray's sister Kayleigh, whom he met at age 13. The couple had a child in 2024 but continued to struggle with alcohol abuse. On New Year's Eve, Murray invited Kayleigh to his flat, and she arrived with Burton and Murray's friend Wah Tun, 22.
By 11:30pm, the group had been drinking, and there was suggestion of drug use. Kayleigh was particularly intoxicated and struggling to stand. After setting off fireworks, tensions escalated. Murray and Burton exchanged heated words, with Murray threatening to slit Burton's throat. A struggle ensued, and Murray stabbed Burton in the back.
Lies and Arrest
After the stabbing, Murray did not help Burton or call 999. Instead, he phoned his family and began fabricating a story. At 12:07am, he claimed another person had stabbed Burton, then said he had been out all day and returned to find Burton dying. Officers grew suspicious and arrested him at 12:30am. Burton was pronounced dead at 12:43am.
Murray provided three written statements, initially denying involvement, then admitting the knife was his, and finally claiming he blacked out and could not recall the events captured on the dog camera. He was charged with murder on January 2, 2026.
Trial and Verdict
At trial, Murray testified that he acted in self-defense, claiming Burton attacked him with the knife. He said he disarmed Burton and tried to push him out of the flat, but did not realize he had stabbed him. Prosecutor Rob Hall argued that Murray's actions and lies after the stabbing demonstrated his awareness of the crime's seriousness.
After eight hours of deliberation, a jury of 11 to 1 found Murray guilty of murder. He showed no emotion as the verdict was read. Sentencing is scheduled for August 7. Murray, of Tarn Drive, Bury, remains in custody.
