Man appears in court charged with murder of Christopher Ritchie in Durham city centre

A man has appeared in court to face a charge of murder following the death of another man in a suspected stabbing.
By Fiona Thompson
Published 23rd Mar 2020, 13:55 BST
Updated 23rd Mar 2020, 23:27 BST
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Christopher Ritchie, 41, died on the morning of Thursday, March 19, after he was found injured in Mitchell Street in Durham city centre.

Now Jonathon Morgan, of Allergate. has appeared before Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court charged with his murder.

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Man charged with murder following investigation into the death of Christopher Ri...
Christopher Ritchie, 41, died in a stabbing in Durham on Thursday, March 18. Jonathon Morgan, also 41, who is charged with his death, made an appearance before Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court today.Christopher Ritchie, 41, died in a stabbing in Durham on Thursday, March 18. Jonathon Morgan, also 41, who is charged with his death, made an appearance before Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court today.
Christopher Ritchie, 41, died in a stabbing in Durham on Thursday, March 18. Jonathon Morgan, also 41, who is charged with his death, made an appearance before Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court today.
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The 26-year-old did not enter a plea and was remanded in custody to appear before Teesside Crown Court on Tuesday, March 24.

Durham Constabulary said Mr Ritchie died after he was attacked just before 8.30am, with a post-mortem examination confirming he died as a result of stab wounds.

A section of the city centre around the street, North Road and the bus station was cordoned off by officers as investigations got underway. Anyone who saw Mr Ritchie, who was using crutches to get about, has been asked to get in touch with police.

A photo of Christopher Ritchie released by Durham Constabulary after it confirmed a murder inquiry had been launched into the circumstances surrounding his death in Durham.A photo of Christopher Ritchie released by Durham Constabulary after it confirmed a murder inquiry had been launched into the circumstances surrounding his death in Durham.
A photo of Christopher Ritchie released by Durham Constabulary after it confirmed a murder inquiry had been launched into the circumstances surrounding his death in Durham.

Detective Chief Superintendent Adrian Green, who is leading the investigation, which involves around 30 detectives, said as inquiries were launched: “Christopher’s family have been devastated and are desperately seeking answers as to what happened to him and why.

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“We are carrying out a thorough investigation to establish exactly what happened, but we need people to come forward with those vital pieces of information that could help us get justice.

“If you know something – no matter how small you think that piece of information is - please come forward and speak to us.”

In a statement released by his family, Mr Ritchie’s mother Jean said: “Our hearts are completely broken. Life will never be the same again.”

Police on the scene of the investigation off North Road in Durham.Police on the scene of the investigation off North Road in Durham.
Police on the scene of the investigation off North Road in Durham.

“Christopher was kind-hearted and generous.

“He would do anything for anyone and would never hurt anyone.

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“He was a loving son, brother and dad and we all love him to bits.”

Christopher also leaves behind his sister, Beverley, son, Robbie, stepsons Joel and Maximus, former partner, Faye, brothers, Eddie and Lee, and niece, Jasmine.

Anyone with any information should call Durham Constabulary on 101, quoting incident number 56 of March 19.

Alternatively, information can be passed on to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.