Murder and manslaughter convictions after Easterton fatal stabbing

One person has been found guilty of murder, and a second of manslaughter following the death of a man in Easterton.

Raymond Groves, 48, from Hartcliffe, Bristol, died following the incident on July 2.

Following an 11-week trial, Helen Shakespeare, 53, of Strawberry Fields, Easterton, was found guilty of manslaughter but not guilty of murder.

Anthony Hodges-Hillier, 33, of Brooklands, Royal Wootton Bassett, was found guilty of murder.

Letishia Goodwin, 29, of Strawberry Fields, Easterton, was found guilty of participating in the murder.

On July 2, 2024, Raymond attended Goodwin’s address to visit Shakespeare, with whom he had previously been in a relationship. Goodwin was out at the time, but her mother, Shakespeare, was at home.

Following an altercation, Raymond was stabbed multiple times. Emergency services attended, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The investigation was carried out by our Major Crime Investigation Team, and the trial was heard at Salisbury Crown Court in the absence of Goodwin, who was deemed unfit to stand trial.

Detective Chief Inspector Deb Hatch said: “Raymond’s death was the result of a brutal and sustained attack, and today’s verdicts reflect the gravity of the actions taken by those responsible.

“I want to pay tribute to the dedication of every officer and staff member involved, and to Raymond’s family, who have shown remarkable strength throughout an incredibly difficult process.”

All three are due to be sentenced at Salisbury Crown Court on July 2.