GUILTY VERDICT FOR MURDERER WHO STABBED FORMER PARTNER TO DEATH
Aurin Makepeace from Tan Y Don, Prestatyn, was convicted of murder on Wednesday, March 25, following a trial that commenced on March 3.The case arose after the 43-year-old attempted to conceal involvement in the stabbing of Steven Rothwell, they met while incarcerated.
The incident occurred at Rothwell’s flat on Cross Street in Macclesfield last August, following an argument.
Aurin is scheduled to be sentenced at Chester Crown Court on April 10.
The court heard that Makepeace and Steven Rothwell were previously in a relationship, having met in prison, though they had officially separated around 2023.
Despite their breakup, they maintained regular contact and had relationships with others.
On August 15, 2025, Makepeace travelled from home in Prestatyn to stay with Steven at his residence for several days.
During Aurin's visit, on August 18, a recent ex-girlfriend of Steven called and disclosed that he had recently been with another man.
This angered Steven, prompting him to leave his flat and confront her.
Steven argued with his ex-girlfriend on the street near his flat.
Makepeace, who was present, assaulted her by slapping her face and verbally abusing her.
A passing motorist witnessed the altercation and reported it to the police.
Officers responded shortly afterward.
Police officers spoke with Steven and his ex-girlfriend at Steven’s flat, where Makepeace also was.
During this interaction, Makepeace appeared upset and claimed to be distressed over the incident, expressing anger toward Steven's ex-girlfriend.
Later that evening, a few hours after police had left, Makepeace fatally stabbed Steven in the chest.
Aurin stayed at the scene overnight and left the following morning.
On Tuesday, August 19, Makepeace made numerous phone calls to friends, confessing to the stabbing.
Aurin also sent a voice note to one person saying, 'I've murdered my boyfriend.' That night at 10:19 pm, Makepeace called emergency services, providing the name 'Katie' and stating they had stabbed Steven, who was dead at the address.
Aurin claimed to still be at the scene but was actually back in rural North Wales.
During the call, Aurin said they needed help, claiming Steven had attacked, and they acted in self-defence.
Police arrived at 1A Cross Street, Macclesfield, at 10:43 pm and found Steven dead, with a single stab wound to his chest.
A yellow blanket covered his body.
Investigators and medical experts determined that Steven’s death had not occurred minutes or hours before the call, suggesting an earlier incident.
No other individuals were present in Steven’s flat.
An investigation aimed to locate the caller 'Katie,' leading to arrest along with another man.
Both were released without charges following further inquiries.
Extensive CCTV footage and phone analysis eventually pointed detectives to Makepeace in North Wales.
During police interviews, Makepeace claimed that after their departure, Steven again argued on the phone with the man involved with his ex-girlfriend, made threats, and then grabbed a knife, intending to stab the man.
Aurin said they tried to prevent Steven from leaving and that the knife accidentally injured him.
Aurin was too upset and scared to call an ambulance and left while Steven was still alive.
Forensic pathologist Dr Medcalf testified that Steven would have died within ten minutes of the injury, deeming Makepeace’s version of events highly unlikely.
Forensic analysis of the scene identified the knife used, which showed signs of washing and was found among other kitchen items.
Steven’s blood was on the blade, and DNA consistent with Makepeace’s was on the handle.
