A pensioner was stabbed 179 times by his lodger in an "unprovoked attack" based on delusions that he was being poisoned. Moses Fernandes, 23, has received an indefinite hospital order after pleading guilty to the manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility of Terry McFadyen, 71.
Attack in Norwich
Fernandes was lodging with Mr McFadyen and his partner at an address in Norwich when he called the authorities in an agitated state at around 4am on November 3, 2025. After speaking to paramedics outside the property, the 23-year-old went back inside, armed himself with a knife and launched the attack on Mr McFadyen.
The 71-year-old's partner and emergency services witnessed the incident and sounded the alarm, but he tragically died at the scene. Police arrived shortly afterwards and Fernandes was arrested on suspicion of murder.
Messages before the attack
Norwich Crown Court heard that before stabbing his landlord, Fernandes messaged a woman named Sarah McRoberts that "Terry had poisoned him and he thought he was going to die". Prosecutor William Carter said Ms McRoberts, who did not see the message until after the attack, also received £8,778 from the 23-year-old after he said he was "sending her all of his money".
Mr Carter added that Fernandes could be heard "muttering to himself, 'he poisoned me, that's why'", after police arrived, as per The Telegraph. Mr McFadyen died of "massive and unsurvivable blood loss" after sustaining "at least 179 stab wounds", he said.
Police tribute
Detective Chief Inspector Kevin Barber described it as a "deeply tragic incident" and paid tribute to Mr McFadyen as a "devoted father, much-loved partner, family member and friend".
"The circumstances surrounding Terry's death were shocking and traumatic, and the impact on those who witnessed the incident, and on all those who knew and loved him, has been significant," he said. "No outcome of the court process can change the devastating loss that Terry's family and friends have suffered. Throughout this investigation, they have shown tremendous dignity, patience and strength in the face of unimaginable grief, and our thoughts remain firmly with them."
DCI Barber said the court had issued the indefinite hospital order after "carefully considering all of the evidence presented, including expert evidence regarding Moses Fernandes' mental health at the time of the incident". "Terry will not be forgotten, and we continue to extend our sincere condolences to everyone affected by his death," he added.
