The tragic death of a man in Barton on Sunday brings the number of murder cases being investigated by Oxfordshire detectives to five.
Death after fight - Underhill Circus, Barton
A 50-year-old man, who has not been named by police, was found dead in his flat in Brome Place, Barton, on Sunday, April 24.
Detectives said that the night before he was attacked outside the shops in Underhill Circus. He suffered a number of injuries but was taken the short walk back to his home by friends, police said.
A 17-year-old boy was arrested on Monday on suspicion of the man’s murder.
READ MORE: Teen, 17, arrested in connection with murder investigation
‘One punch’ death - Ship Street, Oxford
Conrad Welch, 63, died after an attack by a group in Ship Street, Oxford city centre, on July 11 last year.
Mr Welch, who was described in a tribute by family members as ‘loving dad’ who would never be forgotten, died eight days later in hospital.
Police arrested four men last July on suspicion of murder. They were later released on bail.
At the time, senior investigating officer Det Insp Mike Roddy said: "Since this incident happened, and the subsequent death of this man, detectives have been investigating the circumstances of what took place on June 11, and are exploring all possibilities of how he came to his tragic death.
"Our investigation so far has led detectives to make these arrests, while enquiries will continue.
"However, I would like to appeal for any potential witnesses to this incident of assault in Oxford.
"Specifically, I would ask that anyone who believes that they were in or near Ship Street or Cornmarket Street on this night, please think about whether you may have seen anything that could relate to this incident.
"It took place at 10.50pm, but I would be interested to hear from anyone who believes they may have seen or heard something before or after this time too.”
Thames Valley Police this week confirmed that the investigation continued. The four men released last summer are due to return to the police station to answer bail in October.
READ MORE: Four men arrested after 'one punch' attack
Housemate stabbed – Pinnocks Way, Botley
Eugen Coman will stand trial in June accused of murdering 31-year-old housemate Leonid Laboshin.
Mr Laboshin, a talented pianist and a computer programmer who had moved to Oxford from his native Russia, was stabbed in the neck and torso at the home in Pinnocks Way, Botley, that he shared with 33-year-old Coman.
A trial will start on June 20 and is expected to last between two and three weeks.
Last year, the Mr Laboshin’s family described him as an ‘amazingly bright’ man who taught himself English and came to Oxford to work as an IT programmer on the ‘timely detection of cancer’.
“He was a caring and loving son, brother and uncle. He loved to play guitar and learnt to play the violin and piano. He loved music,” they said.
“After graduating from the University of St Petersburg. He taught himself English and made plans for his life with enthusiasm.”
Neighbours said Mr Laboshin was a talented pianist.
READ MORE: Trial date set for Botley murder accused
Valentine’s Eve stabbing – Howard Road, Banbury
Keith Green, 40, was found unresponsive in the garden of his home in Howard Road, Banbury, late on February 13 this year. He had been stabbed multiple times.
Five people are accused of his murder; his partner, Louise Grieve, 37, her son Callum Johnson, 20, Mark Meadows, 24, Travis Gorton, 19, and a teen girl who cannot be named for legal reasons.
Their trial will take place on September 12 at Oxford Crown Court.
Following Mr Green’s death last month, well-wishers took to social media to pay tribute to the Banbury dad.
Emily Hazlewood said: “Such a lovely man with a heart of gold.”
Sarah North added: “Tragic, thoughts are with the family and friends of those involved. Rest in peace.”
READ MORE: Five in court over Banbury ‘murder’
Park death - Bayswater Road, Barton
Lee Butler, 39, died from a single stab wound to the chest in a park off Bayswater Road, Barton, on October 8 last year.
Prosecutors say he was stabbed by his drug dealer, Lewis Brown, 20, over comments he allegedly made about the ‘s***’ quality of his product.
Brown, however, says he pushed out in self-defence after Mr Butler tried to rob him at knifepoint.
The trial continues, with the judge expected to sum up the evidence in the case to jurors at Oxford Crown Court later this week.
READ MORE: The case against Barton murder accused
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