Surrey man found guilty of killing brother

Louis CrazeImage source, SURREY POLICE
Image caption,

Louis Craze, 26, died from a single knife wound in West Molesey last November

  • Published

A man has been found guilty of killing his brother with a single stab wound to the heart.

Danny Craze, 36, told a trial at Lewes Crown Court that his brother, Louis, had walked into a knife during an argument.

Louis Craze, 26, died at a property in West Molesey, Surrey, on 18 November 2023.

A jury unanimously found the elder brother guilty of murder following a 10-day trial, police said.

The court heard Surrey Police officers were first called to an address in Bishop Fox Way at midday after receiving a report that a man had been stabbed.

They found Louis Craze at the property, but despite the efforts of officers and paramedics he was pronounced dead at the scene.

A post-mortem showed he died from a single stab wound to the heart.

Danny Craze, who was arrested the same day, told jurors he was holding a knife to protect himself.

'Senseless'

Paying tribute to Louis, his family said: “The only word to describe how the family is feeling is heartbroken.

"We would ask that people appreciate that this is a sad and tragic time for the family and that we are left alone to grieve for Louis in peace whilst we try to understand what has happened.”

Det Ch Insp Gareth Hicks said a "senseless act of violence" had "rippled out" to affect the victim's loved ones and the local community.

He said: "My thoughts and condolences are with the family of Louis Craze who have been left devastated by the death of Louis and the circumstances surrounding it."

Danny Craze is due to be sentenced on Monday.

Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, external, on X, external. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk , external or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.