Brutal Birthday Bash Ends in Murder
Melanie Wright, 48, and Barry Chapman, 34, left Nigel Wright, 64, bleeding to death in his own home after a violent row on 25 May. The trio had been celebrating Chapman’s birthday in Park Road when things turned deadly around 4pm.
Neighbours Hear Shouting, Police Rush In
At 4.44pm, police got a call from a neighbour reporting a disturbance. The front door was wide open and a dog was running loose outside. Officers first met Chapman, then Melanie Wright, who claimed no one else was inside.
The officer insisted on a search and found Nigel Wright lying motionless in the front room, bleeding heavily. Despite immediate first aid and paramedics’ efforts, Nigel was pronounced dead at 5.41pm.
Affair, Lies and Murder Charges
- Chapman and Melanie Wright were arrested for murder.
- A post-mortem showed Nigel died from severe head and facial injuries.
- Police revealed Nigel suspected his wife and Chapman had an affair. Both lived together, calling each other “cousins” despite no relation.
- Melanie confessed in police interviews she saw Chapman beating Nigel and tried to intervene. She claimed injuries on her body came from Chapman.
- Both denied the murder charges but were later found guilty at Peterborough Crown Court on 27 November.
Sentencing Looms as Police Speak Out
Melanie Wright and Barry Chapman face sentencing on 11 December. Detective Inspector Lucy Thomson said:
“This was a tragic case where a man lost his life following a drunken argument with his wife and someone who was supposed to be his friend.
“Melanie Wright lied to the attending officer and tried to stop him searching the flat. Our sincere condolences go to Nigel Wright’s family and friends.”
