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 multiple stab wounds during a post-mortem examination. Subsequently, Zack Coughlan, Jamie’s 23-year-old housemate, has been arrested and charged with murder, as reported by Bristol Live.
Detective Chief Inspector Lucy Edgeworth from the Major Crime Investigation Team stated that the Crown Prosecution Service has approved a murder charge against Zack Coughlan. Although formal identification is pending, Jamie’s name has been released with the family’s consent for court proceedings and public record purposes. Specialized officers are supporting Jamie’s family during this challenging period and request privacy for them.
Zack Coughlan has been detained in custody and is scheduled to appear at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, April 14. Det Ch Insp Edgeworth expressed that those acquainted with Jamie would understandably be shocked and saddened by the tragedy. Police are conducting visible patrols in the area and collaborating with the University of the West of England to offer necessary assistance to affected individuals. Additional investigations are planned in the vicinity of Cleve Road in the upcoming days.