Anthony Junior Murray, 25, has been found guilty of murdering Joe Burton, 23, in Bury on New Year's Eve 2025 after a pet camera caught the fatal stabbing. The jury at Minshull Street Crown Court rejected Murray's self-defence claims, convicting him by a majority of 11 to 1 after eight hours of deliberations.
Fatal New Year's Eve Stabbing
The incident occurred at Murray's flat on Tarn Drive in Redvales, Bury, at 11.49pm on December 31, 2025. Prosecutor Rob Hall told the trial that Murray stabbed Burton once in the left upper back with a combat knife, penetrating to a depth of approximately 18cm—almost the full blade length. The stabbing took place in the doorway between the corridor and living room.
Earlier that evening, Murray had invited his sister Kayleigh and her boyfriend Joe Burton to his flat, along with friend Wah Tun, 22. By 11.30pm, after drinking and possible drug use, tensions escalated. Murray and Burton argued over Murray's dogs, with Murray telling Burton, "I'll slit your f****** throat." A struggle ensued, and Murray stabbed Burton in the back.
Lies and Discovery
After the stabbing, Murray did not help Burton or call 999. Instead, he phoned his family and began telling selective lies. He initially claimed another person had stabbed Burton, then said he had been out all day and returned to find Burton bleeding. Police became suspicious and arrested him at 12.30am. Burton was pronounced dead at 12.43am.
In a "remarkable stroke of luck," a camera installed to monitor Murray's dogs had captured the stabbing. When played the footage, Murray claimed he could not remember the events. He later admitted stabbing Burton but said he was acting in self-defence, claiming he wrestled the knife from Burton during a struggle. The jury rejected this account.
Background and Relationship
Joe Burton had been in an "on-off" relationship with Murray's sister Kayleigh since they were 13. They had a child together in 2024 but struggled with alcohol abuse, according to the prosecution. On the night of the murder, Kayleigh was "particularly intoxicated" and struggling to stand.
Murray showed no reaction as the verdict was read. He will be sentenced on August 7.
