University student appears in court charged with murder of housemate

Jamie Collins, 21, was found stabbed to death in his garden in Filton. Credit: Avon and Somerset Police

A man has appeared in court charged with murder after his housemate and fellow university student was found stabbed in a Filton garden.

Zack Coughlan, 23, was arrested on Sunday 12 April and has been charged with the murder of 21-year-old Jamie Collins.

Emergency services were called to a garden at the rear of the property in Cleve Road in the early hours of Thursday 9 April.

Both men lived together in a house share and were fellow students at the University of the West of England.

Detective Chief Inspector, Lucy Edgeworth, of the Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “The Crown Prosecution Service has authorised a murder charge against Zack Coughlan.

"The formal identification process has not yet been completed but we are releasing Jamie’s name at this point, with his family’s knowledge, because it will form part of the court proceedings and be a matter of public record.

“Our thoughts are with Jamie’s family at this hugely difficult time and specially-trained officers are offering them support and keeping them regularly updated with our investigation. We would politely ask people continue to respect their privacy.”

The body was discovered at the rear of a garden in Filton on Thursday 9 April. Credit: BPM Media

Coughlan appeared at Bristol Crown Court today (Wednesday 15 April) and has been remanded in custody.

A spokesperson for the University of the West of England said: “The university is deeply shocked by the news of our student Jamie’s death in such distressing circumstances.

“Our thoughts are with Jamie’s family at this extremely sad time.

“As well as studying robotics, Jamie was also an active member of student societies at UWE Bristol.

“The university will support students who studied with Jamie and staff directly affected by his death.

“We have been liaising closely with the police to support their investigation.”

DCI Edgeworth added: “People who knew Jamie will be understandably shocked and hugely saddened to learn of what has happened.

“Neighbourhood officers have been carrying out high-visibility patrols in the area over recent days and are working closely with staff at the University of the West of England, where both men were students, to ensure support is in place for those who need it.

“Further enquiries are planned in the area around Cleve Road over the coming days. We are grateful to people living in the area for their patience and understanding while we continue to carry out this investigative work.”