A quiet Norwich neighbourhood has been left reeling after a “lovely” pensioner was fatally stabbed at his partner’s home, just months after receiving the all-clear following a battle with cancer.
Terry Macfadyen, in his 70s, was found with stab wounds at a detached four-bedroom house in Bowthorpe, a village west of Norwich, and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Incident Unfolds Early in the Morning
Emergency services were called to the home after paramedics responded to a report of an individual experiencing breathing difficulties.
Upon arrival, they discovered a man behaving violently and aggressively.
Police confirmed that a man in his 20s, who made the initial call, was arrested at the scene.
He was later identified as Moses Fernandes, 22, of Norwich, and has now been charged with murder.
Fernandes is due to appear at Norwich Magistrates’ Court on November 5.
Remembering Terry Macfadyen
Friends and neighbours described Macfadyen as a kind-hearted man who frequently spent time with his partner, retired mental health nurse Jenny Holmwood, 75. “Terry was a lovely man.
He had been very poorly but he didn’t make a fuss and got on with life,” one neighbour said.
He often stayed at Holmwood’s home, and both were well-known and respected in the community.
Macfadyen, who had a grown-up daughter and a grandchild, also had a long history with the local Norkie pub, helping to decorate it when it reopened under a new manager.
Locals remembered him as generous and thoughtful, always ready to lend a hand—or his last pound—to someone in need.
Couple’s Community Spirit and Lodger Situation
Holmwood and Macfadyen were known for their generosity, taking in a young lodger over the summer to help someone in need.
“Jenny had a big house and a room to spare,” a neighbour explained.
“They were both lovely people, and this has just devastated everyone here.
We are a close-knit community where people look out for each other.”
Holmwood has lived in the area for over 30 years and is an active member of the local church.
Neighbours described the morning of the incident as shocking, with blue flashing lights and multiple emergency vehicles filling the quiet cul-de-sac at around 5 a.m.
Police Statement and Investigation
Norfolk Police confirmed that officers arrived after East of England Ambulance reported aggressive behaviour alongside the initial breathing concern.
“Officers arrived to find a man in his 70s with stab wounds who was sadly pronounced dead at the scene,” a police statement said.
Fernandes, the suspect, was initially taken to hospital for checks before being held for questioning.
After extended interviews, he has now been formally charged with murder.
Detective Chief Inspector Kev Barber asked anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing the investigation is ongoing.
Community Mourns
The local community has been left deeply affected by the tragedy.
Neighbours and friends described Macfadyen and Holmwood as caring and supportive, always ready to help those around them.
“Terry loved our dog and she loved him,” one near neighbour reflected.
Police have cordoned off parts of the house and garden as investigations continue, and a post-mortem examination was scheduled shortly after the incident.