A student from Bristol has admitted to the murder of his housemate, changing his plea to guilty as the trial was ongoing. Zack Coughlan, aged 23, confessed to ambushing and fatally stabbing Jamie Collins, 21, over 30 times in a brutal attack that took place on April 8. The incident was reported to have occurred in an alley near the garden of their shared residence.
Initially, Coughlan had denied the murder charge during his trial at Bristol Crown Court, although he conceded to killing Collins, claiming it was borne out of fear. He alleged that there were threats exchanged between the two after a disagreement over rent payments, which escalated the tension between them.
On the day of the murder, Coughlan, masked and armed, lay in wait for Collins, attacking him upon his return from university. The court revealed further shocking details, admitting that after committing the crime, Coughlan left Collins’ body outside for several hours before finally notifying authorities. In the interim, he allegedly rode away on the victim’s bicycle, disposing of incriminating evidence and clothing.
Detective Chief Inspector Lucy Edgeworth described the murder as a calculated act, suggesting that it was meticulously planned rather than an impulsive act of fear. Despite Coughlan’s claims of self-defense due to differences in political views and the rent dispute, no clear motive for such a violent act has been established.
Following the attack, Coughlan reportedly watched the CCTV footage of the murder multiple times, explaining his actions as an attempt to process the event. This detail was among several inconsistencies that emerged during the investigation, undermining his narrative of self-defense.
Jamie’s bereaved family shared their memories of him, portraying him as a kind-hearted and gentle individual who was close to completing his studies at the University of the West of England. They expressed their sorrow at losing him so tragically and abruptly.
Coughlan is due to be sentenced on Wednesday for the murder, facing the consequences of his actions that have left a family mourning and a community questioning the violence that disrupted their peace.
Photo by Luca Campioni on Unsplash
