A 21-year-old student named Jamie Collins was tragically found dead in the garden of his shared house on Cleve Road in Filton, where he attended the University of the West of England Bristol (UWE Bristol). Authorities discovered that Jamie had suffered multiple stab wounds during a post-mortem examination conducted after emergency services were alerted in the early hours of Thursday. The Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson disclosed this information last week.
Following the incident, a murder charge has been filed against Jamie’s 23-year-old housemate, Zack Coughlan, according to a report by Bristol Live. Detective Chief Inspector Lucy Edgeworth from the Major Crime Investigation Team stated that the Crown Prosecution Service has authorized the murder charge against Zack Coughlan. Despite the formal identification process not yet being finalized, Jamie’s name has been released with the consent of his family, as it will be part of the court proceedings and public record.
Expressing condolences for Jamie’s family during this challenging period, specially-trained officers are providing them with support and updates on the investigation. Coughlan is currently in custody and is scheduled to appear at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, April 14.
Detective Chief Inspector Edgeworth acknowledged that those familiar with Jamie would be understandably shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic news. Neighbourhood officers have increased patrols in the Cleve Road vicinity and are collaborating with the University of the West of England to ensure necessary support is available for affected individuals. Further inquiries in the surrounding area are planned in the days ahead.
