CCTV footage of moment killer Adam Jenkins told his victim has died

The dramatic footage has been released after Jenkins was today found guilty of the manslaughter of his sister's boyfriend, Mr Birch.

Jenkins emerged from the kitchen of his home in Newbottle, near Houghton-le-Spring, carrying up to three knives, one of which he used to slash Mr Birch in the neck in a brief confrontation.

CCTV from the defendant’s own home captured the horrific moment that he killed the 39-year-old at about 11.20pm, on December 25, 2021.

This footage released today shows the dramatic moment police told Jenkins that Mr Birch was dead.

Read more: Adam Jenkins guilty of Houghton-le-Spring manslaughter

As he sits in the back of a police vehicle as Northumbria Police officers tells Jenkins: "Adam at 11.37 you were arrested on suspicion of assault. It is now 004 on the 26th of December, I am now arresting you on suspicion of murder.

Jenkins replies: "Murder? What? Is he dead?"

As the officer reads him his rights he asks again: "Is he dead, Noy way!"

He then bursts into tears saying "No, no, no. He's dead, he's dead", as he is led away. 

Jurors had heard how despite prompt first-aid attention given after the arrival of paramedics at the scene, Mr Birch died from the stab wound shortly after midnight.

Giving evidence at the start of the defence case, 36-year-old Jenkins said he was aware of Mr Birch’s reputation as “a violent man” and that there had been concerns over domestic violence with his sister, Emma, earlier in 2021, two years into their relationship.

Jenkins said he has been having flashbacks to the evening during the time he has spent on remand and is now to able piece together most of the events of the incident, which took place just before midnight on December 25.

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He said he had fallen asleep after drinking all day but was awoken being told Emma and Mr Birch were fighting on the landing.

The jury has already been told Mr Birch had a history of domestic abuse towards Emma and was known to have hit her on several occasions.

Judge Mrs Justice Alison Foster DBE adjourned the case until Monday, July 17 for sentence.