Murder suspect remanded in custody over death of Christopher Ritchie

A murder suspect has been remanded in custody for nearly six months after he appeared at crown court for the first time.
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Jonathon Morgan, 26, of Allergate, Durham City, is accused of murdering Christopher Ritchie in Mitchell Street, near the city’s bus station, on Thursday, March 19.

He appeared at Teesside Crown Court on Tuesday and was remanded in custody until Monday, September 7.

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A post mortem found that Christopher Ritchie died of stab wounds.A post mortem found that Christopher Ritchie died of stab wounds.
A post mortem found that Christopher Ritchie died of stab wounds.

Mr Ritchie died after he was stabbed in Mitchell Street, in Durham, just before 8.30am last Thursday.

Parts of North Road were sealed off while officers carried out their investigations.

Around 30 detectives, crime scene investigators, uniformed officers and other staff were working on the investigation after the alarm was raised.

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A post-mortem examination later confirmed the 41-year-old died as a result of stab wounds.

Police close to where Christopher Ritchie was found in Durham City with stab wounds.Police close to where Christopher Ritchie was found in Durham City with stab wounds.
Police close to where Christopher Ritchie was found in Durham City with stab wounds.

It read: “Christopher was kind-hearted and generous. He would do anything for anyone and would never hurt anyone.

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

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

“Christopher was funny and kind, he would do anything for anyone. He didn’t have a bad bone in his body,” said Beverley.

“He was my baby brother. We have such a strong bond and I love him dearly. My world has ended without him – I will miss him so much.”

Faye said: “Christopher was a much-loved father to Robbie, and stepfather to Joel and Maximus. He adored all three boys and cherished the time we had together.

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“He was extremely kind-hearted and would do anything to protect us. We will miss him greatly, and although our hearts are broken, we shared a deep love that will never die.”

Anyone with any information that could help the investigation should call Durham Constabulary on 101, quoting incident number 56 of March 19.

Information can be alternatively passed on anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.