Anthony Junior Murray, 25, has been found guilty of murdering Joe Burton, 23, after a pet camera in his Bury flat captured the fatal New Year's Eve stabbing. The conviction came after a trial at Minshull Street Crown Court, where Murray claimed self-defence, but the jury rejected his account.
Pet Camera Captures Fatal Stabbing
The killing occurred on December 31, 2025, at Murray's flat on Tarn Drive in Redvales, Bury. Murray had installed a camera to monitor his two dogs, Zarla and Beau Beau. The device recorded the stabbing at 11.49pm, providing crucial evidence that contradicted Murray's initial statements to police.
Prosecutor Rob Hall told the court: “On the evening of New Year's Eve 2025, a time that should have been about socialising and welcoming in 2026, in a first floor flat in Bury, this defendant, Anthony Junior Murray, 25, lost his temper and stabbed Joe Burton, 23, the boyfriend of the defendant's sister, to death.”
Details of the Attack
Mr Burton suffered a single stab wound to his left upper back, penetrating approximately 18cm deep—almost the full length of the combat knife used. The attack occurred in the doorway between the corridor and living room. After the stabbing, Murray did not call 999 but instead contacted his family, selectively telling them what had happened.
Hall noted: “The Crown says that Mr Murray's actions and the lies after the stabbing are the clearest evidence that he knew only too well what he had done and the seriousness of the consequences for him if that was discovered.”
Background and Events Leading to the Killing
Joe Burton had been in an on-off relationship with Murray's sister, Kayleigh. The couple had a child together in 2024 but struggled with alcohol abuse. On New Year's Eve, Kayleigh arrived at Murray's flat with Mr Burton, along with Murray's friend Wah Tun, 22. By 11.30pm, those present had been drinking, and there was suggestion of drug use.
Tensions rose after a fireworks display. Murray and Mr Burton exchanged words, with Murray telling Mr Burton, “I'll slit your f****** throat.” A struggle ensued, during which Murray stabbed Mr Burton in the back.
Murray's Lies and Subsequent Arrest
After the stabbing, Murray initially told police that another person had stabbed Mr Burton, later claiming he had been out all day and returned to find Mr Burton bleeding. He was arrested at 12.30am on January 1, 2026. In later statements, he admitted the knife was his but claimed he acted in self-defence, stating he wrestled the knife from Mr Burton during a struggle.
During the trial, Murray testified: “I didn't mean to stab him. I didn't even know or realise I had done it. I didn't use it deliberately at all. I was trying to push him out the door.” However, the jury deliberated for eight hours and returned a majority verdict of 11 to 1, convicting him of murder.
Sentencing and Aftermath
Murray, from Tarn Drive, Bury, is due to be sentenced on August 7. He showed no emotion as the verdict was read. The pet camera footage was described by prosecutors as a “remarkable stroke of luck” that exposed the truth.
