University pupil discovered useless in backyard with ‘stab wounds’ as housemate arrested
Avon and Somerset Police have identified the victim as university student 21-year-old Jamie Collins as his housemate Zack Coughlan has been arrested and charged with murder
University student Jamie Collins, 21, was found dead in a garden(Image: Avon and Somerset Police / SWNS)
A university student who was found dead in a garden with a “number of stab wounds” has been pictured for the first time as his housemate has been charged with murder.
Emergency services were called to the rear of the property ,where both men lived in a house share, in Cleve Road, in Filton, Bristol, in the early hours of Thursday (April 9).
Zack Coughlan, 23, was arrested on Sunday (April 12) and has been charged with the murder of 21-year-old Jamie Collins.
Avon and Somerset Police reported that both men were students at University of the West of England.
Coughlan has been remanded in custody and is due to appear at Bristol Magistrates’ Court today (April 14).
Speaking on Friday (April 10), a spokesperson for Avon and Somerset police confirmed a forensic post-mortem examination was conducted and The preliminary findings are the victim died after sustaining a “number of stab wounds”.
Detective Chief Inspector Lucy Edgeworth, of the Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “The Crown Prosecution Service has authorised a murder charge against Zack Coughlan.
“The formal identification process has not yet been completed but we are releasing Jamie’s name at this point, with his family’s knowledge, because it will form part of the court proceedings and be a matter of public record.
“Our thoughts are with Jamie’s family at this hugely difficult time and specially-trained officers are offering them support and keeping them regularly updated with our investigation. We would politely ask people continue to respect their privacy.”
DCI Edgeworth added: “People who knew Jamie will be understandably shocked and hugely saddened to learn of what has happened.
“Neighbourhood officers have been carrying out high-visibility patrols in the area over recent days and are working closely with staff at the University of the West of England, where both men were students, to ensure support is in place for those who need it.
“Further enquiries are planned in the area around Cleve Road over the coming days. We are grateful to people living in the area for their patience and understanding while we continue to carry out this investigative work.”
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