A ‘lovely’ pensioner was stabbed to death at his partner’s home shortly after he had been given the all–clear for cancer.
Police were called to the house yesterday after paramedics attending a call to an individual with breathing problems reported a man being ‘violent and aggressive’.
They found a man – named by neighbours as Terry Macfadyen, in his 70s – with stab wounds.
He was declared dead at the detached four–bedroom house he shared with his churchgoing partner, retired mental health nurse Jenny Holmwood, 75, who rents a room to a young lodger.
Police confirmed a man in his 20s who made the initial call reporting breathing difficulties was taken to Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital after being arrested on suspicion of murder at the quiet cul–de–sac in Bowthorpe, a village west of Norwich in Norfolk.
Following extended questioning by police, British national Moses Fernandes, 22, of Norwich, has been charged with murder. He will appear at Norwich Magistrates’ Court on November 5.
Friends of Mr Mcfadyen said he often stayed with twice–widowed Ms Holmwood.
They were regulars at the nearby Norkie pub where locals revealed he had recently been given ‘the all–clear’ after battling cancer. It is understood the good news was delivered by doctors earlier this year.
Neighbours said the man found stabbed to death at a house in Bowthorpe, near Norwich in Norfolk, was Terry Macfadyen, in his 70s
One neighbour, who asked not to be named, said: ‘Terry was a lovely man. He had been very poorly but he didn’t make a fuss and got on with life.
‘He was the kindest man you could imagine. He had been with Jenny for a few years and had his own house, but spent a lot of time with her.
‘I would help him sometimes and he was always grateful. They were retired and cared for each other. They both needed help in different ways.
‘It is tragic because Jenny had been married twice previously and both her husbands had died.
‘They took in this lodger through the kindness of their hearts during the summer because he was someone who needed help.
‘Jenny had lodgers previously but not for some time. She said to me that she had a big house and a room to spare.
‘What has happened is just appalling and devastating. We are a very close–knit community down here where people look out for each other and nobody can believe it.
‘Jenny had lived here for at least 30 years since the houses were built. She was a member of the local church.’
Moses Fernandes, 22, of Norwich, has been charged with murder (pictured: a forensic van at the scene)
The near neighbour said she was woken at around 5am by the blue flashing lights of emergency vehicles in the road.
She added: ‘It was obvious that something serious had happened. There were so many police cars and ambulances. I found out this morning that Terry had died.’
Another neighbour said: ‘Jenny and Terry would help anyone. They were both lovely people.
‘This whole neighbourhood is loving and everyone cares for each other. Terry loved our dog and she loved him.’
Mr Mcfadyen, who had a grown–up daughter and a grandchild, helped to decorate the Norkie pub so it could be re–opened by a new manager after it briefly closed in 2019.
Regulars recalled him today as ‘a wonderful man’ who ‘would happily hand over his last pound to anyone who needed it’.
Forensics teams have been combing the four–bedroom detached house for evidence
Norfolk Police said in a statement: ‘A man has been charged with murder today after an incident at a property in Norwich.
‘A man in his 20s was arrested yesterday morning on suspicion of murder after officers were called to a property in Layer Close, Norwich, by East of England Ambulance at 4.45am.
‘Ambulance attended after the man reported breathing difficulties. Police were called when the man was reported to be behaving aggressively.
‘Officers arrived to find a man, in his 70s, with stab wounds who was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
‘The man, in his 20s, was arrested following the incident and taken to hospital to be checked for breathing difficulties.
‘He remained under arrest and was discharged from hospital yesterday morning and was taken to Wymondham Police Investigation Centre for questioning.
‘Following a superintendents’ extension for questioning and further investigation British national Moses Fernandes, 22, of Layer Close, Norwich, has been charged with murder.
‘He will appear at Norwich Magistrates’ Court tomorrow morning.’
Mr Macfadyen often stayed at the house, which is owned by his churchgoing partner, retired mental health nurse Jenny Holmwood, 75
Detective Chief Inspector Kev Barber added yesterday: ‘I understand this news is shocking and our thoughts are with the family and friends of the man who sadly lost his life.
‘I’d ask that if anyone has information that may be able to help our investigation to please share this with us.’
A post–mortem examination was due to take place today.
The house in a corner of the cul–de–sac remained cordoned off by police as an officer stood guard outside today.
Part of the back garden also appeared to be cordoned off with police tape.
