Murder trial jury hears defendant's statement to police

Boy accused of murder told officers "I didn't intend to kill Chris"

A murder trial has heard how the defendant told police he stabbed a 14-year-old boy because he thought if he didn't he would be killed.

The 15-year-old, who can't be named for legal reasons because of his age, denies murdering Christopher McBurnie in an incident in Ramsey last May.

At Douglas Courthouse this morning, the prosecution read out details of the defendant's arrest, medical examination and a prepared statement he provided during a police interview.

Arrest

The court heard the defendant, who was 14 at the time of his arrest on 29 May 2025, was escorted to the cells at Police Headquarters on the evening of the incident.

The jury heard how the teenager underwent a medical examination, including having a photographer document injuries, which included bruising to his neck and wrists, as well as an injury to his eye.

Prior to being interviewed, police noted that the defendant was a child with additional needs and arranged an assessment to ensure he was fit to be interviewed.

That assessment found he was well orientated and not confused, but recommended officers keep interviews short and allow regular breaks.

He went on to be interviewed in 14 short stints over the next four days, exercising his right to be silent and offering no comment to all questions.

Prepared statement

On 2 June, the juvenile provided officers with a statement outlining his version of events, which he'd prepared with the help of his advocate.

He confirmed that while he'd never met Christopher in person, they had known each other through social media for around three years and would exchange insults.

Prior to 29 May, Christopher posted about the defendant in a group chat, causing the defendant to reply "come to my house and I'll do your head in".

The defendant said he thought he was challenging Christopher to a one-on-one fight and that nothing would come of it, but when he looked out the window on the day of the stabbing he was frightened to see what he estimated to be around 30 people there.

The boy told officers he picked up a knife and went outside, telling Christopher "I will stab you mate".

He went on to say "I was trying to scare Chris, I didn't want to attack him", and that he thought a second person was also approaching his house.

He added "I stabbed Chris because I thought if I didn't I would be killed", and later stated "I didn't intend to kill Chris".

Exhibits from the scene

The prosecution also continued to show exhibits to the jurors.

Today they saw items from the defendant's front door, which had bloodstaining. Scientific analysis confirmed this blood matched the DNA profile of Christopher McBurnie.

They were also shown a number of items of clothing, both from Christopher and the defendant.

The jury was told that two jackets and a t-shirt worn by Christopher on the day he died contained cuts consistent with being recently made by a sharp bladed item such as a knife.

They also heard how two plastic cards - a travel card and a bank card - in Christopher's jacket pocket had been damaged by the knife.

A hooded jacket worn by the defendant with widespread blood staining was also presented to the jurors; they were told that the distribution of the staining corroborated the defendant's account to police that he had stabbed Christopher.

The trial

The trial continues next week.