A man has been jailed for life for the murder of his sister's boyfriend, who was stabbed to death minutes before midnight on New Year's Eve.
Anthony Junior Murray, 25, of Tarn Drive, Bury, was sentenced at Minshull Street Crown Court on August 7. He will serve at least 18 years before being considered for parole.
The Attack
Joe Burton, 23, was at Murray's flat in Bury with his on-off partner Kayleigh Murray, Anthony's sister, and a friend. The couple had been together since they were 13 and had a child in 2024, but their relationship was 'blighted by alcohol abuse'.
On New Year's Eve, tensions rose after fireworks were set off. An argument began over Murray's dog, Beau Beau, with Murray telling Burton to leave and threatening to 'slit your f****** throat'. A struggle followed, and Murray stabbed Burton once in the back at 11.49pm, causing fatal injuries.
Family's Grief
In a statement read in court, Burton's mother, Janette Keyworth, said: “Never in a million years did I think I would ever have to attend this trial because of your actions.” She added: “Joe was more than just a victim. He was a son, a brother, a father, an uncle, a cousin and a friend. There was only one Joe.”
She said her son's young daughter will now never know her dad, and that whatever sentence Murray received would 'never be enough'.
Investigation
Murray initially lied to police, but the murder was captured on a pet camera installed in the flat. A jury rejected his claims of self-defence and found him guilty of murder.
Senior Investigating Officer Duncan Thorpe said: “Murray carried out a brutal attack on Joe and then attempted to mislead officers about his involvement. Thanks to the thorough and diligent work of the investigation team, we were able to piece together the evidence and ensure he faced justice.”
