Man who died after incident at Essex block of flats named

A teenager who died following an incident in an Essex flat block has been named for the first time. The inquest into the death of Ashton Rowbotham opened this morning (October 17) at Essex Coroners’ Court in Chelmsford.

The 19-year-old was found injured following an incident in George Crooks House in Grays on October 6 this year. Tragically he could not be saved and later died at the scene at 4.49am. Essex Police have since launched a murder investigation into the death and have arrested multiple people in connection to it.

At Essex coroners court this morning, Coroners Officer Deborah Frost said: “This matter touches upon the death of Ashton Terry Rowbotham from Colchester. He died on October 6, 2023 in Grays. On the 6th of October the 19-year-old entered a flat with others.

“He was stabbed in the neck. Paramedics confirmed death at 4.49 hours. On October 9, 2023 a post mortem was performed and a provisional cause of death was given as 1A stab wound to the neck.”

Area Coroner Sean Horstead said: “I am satisfied that this case requires an inquest. I formally open the inquest into the death of Ashton Rowbotham. I am asked by Essex Police to suspend the coronial investigation and I do so. I formally suspend the coronial investigation for an initial period of six months.

Police officers and detectives at the scene of a murder investigation at George Crooks House in Grays (Image: Matt Lee/EssexLive)

“That initial period will be determined in due course by the police investigation and following communication from police. I conclude by offering my sincere condolences to the friends and family of Mr Rowbotham during this very difficult time for them.”

A woman, 33, and two men, 31 and 21, were arrested over the same weekend as the death on suspicion of aggravated burglary. A 21-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder. All have since been released on bail until December 27 this year.

References

1. ^{^} The Essex estate where families fear raising children ‘with a murder on the doorstep’ (www.essexlive.news)
2. ^{^} Stansted Airport could grow by the size of 3 football pitches if extension permitted (www.essexlive.news)