Teen who killed Holly Newton can be named – judge

In a recent development, Logan MacPhail has been identified as the murderer of 15-year-old Holly Newton, who was brutally killed in an alleyway in Hexham, Northumberland, in January 2023. At the time of the crime, MacPhail was 16 and inflicted multiple stab wounds on Holly. His identity remained anonymous throughout the trial; however, Judge Sir Nicholas Hilliard KC lifted the reporting restrictions just before sentencing after various media outlets, including the BBC, filed an appeal.

Holly’s parents are advocating for her death to be classified as a case of domestic violence rather than just a knife crime. They underscored the controlling and toxic nature of Holly’s 18-month relationship with MacPhail, which included several breakups leading up to her tragic death.

In the hours before the fatal incident, MacPhail appeared uninvited at Holly’s home in Haltwhistle and stalked her for nearly an hour across Hexham before the attack. Holly’s mother, Micala Trussler, had intended to meet with Northumbria Police that evening to express her concerns about MacPhail, but sadly, Holly was killed just hours before that meeting could take place.

As the legal proceedings continue, MacPhail, now 17, is scheduled to be sentenced at the end of October.