A tragic case unfolded in Walsall when Bradley Nightingale, 29, fatally stabbed his friend Jake Mills, 34, in the victim’s flat on Cheslyn Hay High Street. Following the murder, Nightingale fled the scene in Mr. Mills’ car and attempted to cash in the victim’s mobile phone at a pawn shop.
Jake Mills, a devoted father, was found with a fatal stab wound to his neck. His body was discovered by police on September 18, the day after he was reported missing. Personal belongings, including his bank card, were missing from the flat.
Investigators revealed that Nightingale was seen entering the property with Mills two days before the body was found. CCTV footage captured Nightingale leaving the flat and driving off in Mr. Mills’ Audi A5, which he later crashed nearby before fleeing on foot.
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Using the victim’s bank card, Nightingale paid for bus travel on the morning he disappeared and sold the phone at a pawn shop. When arrested on September 20 at his Bloxwich home, Nightingale produced a pre-prepared statement claiming he had permission to drive the car and denied the murder, refusing to answer further questions.
After a trial at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court, he was found guilty of murder and awaits sentencing on June 19. Detective Inspector Gina Pope of Staffordshire Police expressed sympathy for the victim’s family and praised the strength of the evidence that brought justice to the case.