Student Murdered in Cold Blood at Newcastle Uni Accommodation
Aaron Ray, 21, has been found guilty of fatally stabbing fellow student Jason Brockbanks in his own room at Mansion Tyne student halls on Howard Street last September 24.
Self-Defence Claim Falls Flat
Ray, who tried to blame the attack on self-defence, told the court he acted after Jason, 24, a Northumbria University student, attacked him first. But the Newcastle Crown Court jury saw through the lies after a seven-day trial and convicted him of murder.
Callous Killer Fled Scene, Left Jason to Die
Despite Jason suffering fatal wounds, Ray coldly left him bleeding in his flat and caught a taxi back to his Sunderland home just minutes after the stabbing.
Jason’s body was discovered days later after his worried family reported him missing. Northumbria University staff raised the alarm, leading police to Jason’s room where they found the horrific scene.
Justice Served, But Family Devastated
Northumbria Police launched a murder probe and arrested Ray after CCTV captured the two arriving at the accommodation together the night of the stabbing. Ray, from Mayfield Road, Sunderland, denied the charges but was found guilty. He faces sentencing on March 23 at Newcastle Crown Court.
“We miss our beloved son dearly and we are thankful we have justice for Jason,” said Jason’s family.
“We thank the police, prosecution team, friends, and Mansion Tyne staff for their support. We are grateful the jury made the right call.”
Detective Inspector Tomasz Fowler of Northumbria Police paid tribute to the family’s strength and expressed condolences:
“Aaron Ray showed no regard for Jason’s life, disposing of the weapon and fleeing instead of calling 999. If he had raised the alarm, Jason might still be alive today.”
“Jason had his whole life ahead and had settled well in the North East. We thank the jury for delivering justice and seeing through Ray’s lies.”
