In a heartbreaking case that has left many reeling, a man has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the brutal murder of his girlfriend in South Lanarkshire.
Ewan Methven, 27, admitted to the violent attack on 21-year-old Phoenix Spencer-Horn at their East Kilbride flat back in November 2024. In a shocking twist, he attempted to cover up his crime, misleading her family into believing she was still alive.
At the High Court in Glasgow, Methven was given a minimum sentence of 23 years. During the proceedings, Judge Lord Matthews expressed the immense grief shared by Phoenix’s family, stating he had rarely encountered such profound sorrow in victim impact statements. He emphasized the cruel betrayal of trust, noting that Methven’s actions robbed Phoenix of her dignity even in death.
In a chilling letter to the judge, Methven reflected on the love Phoenix received from her family and expressed disbelief over how he had taken her from them. Prosecutors revealed the grim details of the murder, which included choking Phoenix before inflicting 20 stab wounds, ultimately leading to her death.
The couple had been together for two years, and on the day of the murder, Methven had voiced feelings of loneliness due to Phoenix’s work schedule. Just hours later, a downstairs neighbor reported hearing strange noises, coinciding with Methven’s frantic movements recorded on a step-tracking app.
In an unsettling attempt to cover his tracks, Methven spent the following days using Phoenix’s car, scrolling through her phone, and even pretending to communicate with her mother about her well-being. He only called emergency services two days later, claiming he had lost control during a psychotic episode fueled by drugs and alcohol.
When police discovered Phoenix’s body, it was covered in the hallway, next to bloodied knives, while Methven remained eerily calm. After his arrest, he expressed regret over the horrific actions he had taken.
In the aftermath of this tragedy, a fundraising campaign was initiated to assist with funeral costs, and Phoenix’s family generously chose to donate much of the proceeds to Women’s Aid, ensuring her legacy would contribute to a cause greater than the tragedy itself.
The Glasgow branch of Women’s Aid expressed their gratitude, noting that Phoenix’s name would symbolize resilience and action against domestic violence, inspiring change and protection for others.
As we reflect on this devastating story, it’s essential to remember Phoenix not just for her tragic end but as a beacon of hope for change and action against violence.
