Man Charged with Murder Following Student Stabbing
A man has been charged with murder after allegedly stabbing his housemate to death.
Zack Coughlan, 23, was arrested on Sunday and has since been charged with the murder of 21-year-old Jamie Collins, who died from multiple stab wounds.
Emergency services discovered the victim in the rear garden of a house share, where both men lived, on Cleve Road in Filton, north Bristol, in the early hours of 9 April.
Avon and Somerset Police said Coughlan has been remanded in custody and is due to appear at Bristol Magistrates' Court later.
Police were able to identify the suspect after reviewing CCTV footage, forensic evidence and detailed searches of the area.
They added the victim had likely died several hours earlier.
Investigation and Police Response
Detective Chief Inspector Lucy Edgeworth, of the Major Crime Investigation Team, expressed condolences to the victim's family and provided updates on the investigation.
"Our thoughts are with Jamie's family at this hugely difficult time.
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."
The force stated that although formal identification is yet to take place, the victim's name is being released ahead of court proceedings.
DCI Edgeworth said those who knew him would be "understandably shocked and hugely saddened" at the news.
Neighbourhood officers have been conducting high-visibility patrols in the area over recent days and are collaborating with staff at the University of the West of England, where both men were students, to ensure support is available for those affected.
"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," she added.
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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