Logan MacPhail, the 17-year-old responsible for the fatal stabbing of 15-year-old Holly Newton in Northumberland, has been publicly identified. MacPhail trailed Holly through Hexham town centre before launching a brutal attack, stabbing her 12 times and slashing her 19 times within a minute. A boy accompanying Holly tried to defend her but was also stabbed.
MacPhail was convicted of murder and wounding with intent in August. Initially, his identity was protected due to his age, but a judge has now allowed his name to be disclosed as he approaches his 18th birthday on 9 December. The court heard that MacPhail had been in a relationship with Holly, which she had ended, sparking his jealousy over her new companionship.
On the day of the murder, 27 January 2023, Holly’s mother had notified the police out of concern for her daughter’s safety and had arranged for Holly to remain at school if MacPhail was nearby. Holly confided to a friend that MacPhail was “basically stalking her”. He followed her around the town centre for approximately 45 minutes while she shopped with friends before the attack.
Logan MacPhail, 17, of #Hexham #Northumberland, has been found guilty of murdering his ex-girlfriend Holly Newton, 15
MacPhail stabbed Holly 36 times in an alleyway after seeing her with another boy, days after she ended their 18-month relationship. He had been stalking Holly &… pic.twitter.com/CgDuzcdf3s
— True Crime Updates (@TrueCrimeUpdat) October 10, 2024
Holly and her 16-year-old friend entered a pizza shop, and MacPhail waited at a bus stop. He asked to speak with Holly and then led her into an alleyway where he inflicted 36 knife wounds, including five defensive injuries, in the early evening. Holly was rushed to Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary but succumbed to her injuries.
MacPhail also nearly killed Holly’s friend, leaving him with serious injuries that required surgery. Despite denying murder and claiming he intended to take his own life, MacPhail admitted to manslaughter, stating he couldn’t recall the stabbings and his mind went blank.
Sentencing for MacPhail is scheduled for 31 October and 1 November. Following the trial, Holly’s mother, Micala Trussler, honoured her daughter in court. She described Holly as a “funny and happy teenager” with a close-knit group of friends. Holly had a passion for sports and dancing, which greatly boosted her confidence and made her feel fearless.
What Other Media Are Saying
- CNN reports on the horrific stabbing attack in Southport, England, where a 17-year-old boy is charged with murder and attempted murder after killing three young girls, sparking violent protests and Islamophobic attacks.(read more)
- CBS News reports on a 17-year-old charged with murder over a stabbing attack in Southport, leaving three girls dead and many more injured, amidst far-right violence fueled by misinformation.(read more)
- AP News reports on the Southport stabbing, highlighting the spread of misinformation, far-right violence, and community mourning, while emphasizing the UK’s knife-related crime surge.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Who was the boy that stabbed Holly Newton?
How old was Logan MacPhail when he attacked Holly Newton?
Why did Logan MacPhail attack Holly Newton?
He was jealous she was with a new boy.
What did Holly’s mother do on the day of the murder?
She contacted police and arranged for Holly to stay in school.
When is Logan MacPhail’s sentencing?
31 October and 1 November.
