Aurin Makepeace (Image: Cheshire Constabulary)
Last Updated: 54 seconds ago
A woman from Prestatyn has been found guilty of murdering her former partner after stabbing him at his home in Cheshire, then travelling back to Wales where she attempted to cover her tracks.
Aurin Makepeace, 43, of Tan Y Don, Prestatyn, fatally stabbed 41-year-old Steven Rothwell at his flat on Cross Street, Macclesfield, on the evening of Monday, August 18, 2025.
The background
Makepeace and Steven had first met in prison and were formerly in a relationship, which ended around 2023. Despite the split, the pair remained in regular contact and had both moved on to other relationships.
On August 15, 2025, Makepeace travelled from Prestatyn to stay with Steven at his flat for a few days. Three days into the visit, a recent ex-girlfriend of Steven revealed during a phone call that she had slept with another man. Steven became angry and left the flat to confront her.
An argument broke out in the street near the flat, during which Makepeace slapped Steven’s ex-girlfriend in the face and was verbally abusive towards her. A passing motorist reported the disturbance to police, and an officer attended shortly afterwards.
When officers spoke to Steven at his flat, Makepeace was present and visibly irate, repeatedly expressing how angry she was with the ex-girlfriend.
The fatal stabbing
Several hours after police left, Makepeace stabbed Steven once in the chest. She remained at the flat overnight before leaving the following morning on August 19.
Throughout the day, she called several friends and disclosed what she had done. In one voice note she said: “I’ve murdered my boyfriend.”
The 999 call
At 10.19pm that evening, Makepeace dialled 999, giving the false name “Katie.” She told the operator she had stabbed Steven and that he was dead at the address. She claimed to still be at the flat – when she was in fact back in rural north Wales.
During the call, she alleged Steven had attacked her and that she had acted in self-defence.
Police discovery
Officers arrived at 1A Cross Street at 10.43pm and found Steven’s body inside the flat. He had a single stab wound to the chest, and a yellow blanket had been placed over him. It was immediately clear to officers and medical experts that the attack had not taken place minutes or even hours before the call.
An investigation was launched to find the woman who had identified herself as “Katie.” Another woman and a man were initially arrested but released without charge. Extensive CCTV and phone analysis eventually led detectives to Makepeace in north Wales.
Defence claims rejected
In police interviews, Makepeace claimed that after officers left, Steven had argued on the phone with the man involved in the affair and made threats. She said Steven picked up a knife intending to leave the flat to stab the man, and that as she tried to stop him, the knife accidentally went in. She said she was too upset and scared to call an ambulance, and that Steven was still alive when she left.
Forensic pathologist Dr Medcalf testified that Steven would have died within 10 minutes of the injury and that Makepeace’s account was very unlikely.
Forensic evidence
The knife was recovered from the scene and forensic analysis showed it had likely been washed and placed among other items in the kitchen. Steven’s blood was found on the blade and Makepeace’s DNA was found on the handle.
Tribute
Steven’s family paid tribute to him through Cheshire Police, saying: “We’d like to thank the judge, jury and counsel for the verdict reached on Aurin Makepeace today, and a huge thank you to the team who have been working behind the scenes. The support and guidance we have received from Cheshire Police has been a huge comfort during this trying time.
“Ste was so resilient, mischievous and had the gentlest of hearts and we’re going to miss that strength he brought. He found a lot of comfort in literature and spent many moments behind a book, either sat in a coffee shop or at the library.
“He will be forever thought about and we’re going to miss his witty sense of humour.”
Makepeace will be sentenced at Chester Crown Court on Friday, April 10, 2026.
