Man found guilty of Blackpool murder

A man has today been found guilty of murder, after stabbing a man to death in Blackpool, before stealing items from his home.

Adam Saunders, 51,  of no fixed abode, was unanimously found guilty after an eight day trial at Preston Crown Court. 

In early November 2024, on a Thursday evening, Kevin Price was last seen alive on CCTV returning to his home at The Garfield Hotel from a neighbouring property.

Saunders entered Kevin’s home, brutally killing him. 

When Kevin’s friend hadn’t heard from him a few days later on the Sunday, which was unusual, he was reported as missing to the police. Very sadly, police found Kevin’s body in his property. He had suffered extensive injuries, and a murder investigation was launched.

A Home Office Post Mortem examination determined that Kevin had been stabbed 56 times, and had significant injuries to his neck, chest and back, along with other stab injuries across his body.

In the days that followed Kevin’s murder, Saunders entered his home, stealing items and fraudulently used his bank card.

Saunders was arrested on suspicion of and later charged with murder. Following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, he was charged. Today, a jury unanimously found him guilty of Kevin's murder.

He will be sentenced at Preston Crown Court on 22^nd May 2025.

DCI Simon Pritchard, of our Force Major Investigation Team said: “First and foremost, my thoughts remain with Kevin’s loved ones at this time. They have had to listen to evidence explaining Kevin’s final days, and how he was killed by someone he thought to be a friend, for the sake of stealing his bank card and property.

“Saunders killed Kevin in a brutal and frenzied attack. His injuries were so severe that they would have been rapidly fatal. I welcome the guilty verdict today, and thank the jury for their careful consideration.”