Former Prisoner Convicted After Fatal Stabbing of Ex-Partner in Macclesfield
Aurin Makepeace, a 43-year-old former prisoner from Prestatyn, has been convicted for the murder of her ex-partner Steven Rothwell. The fatal incident occurred at Rothwell's flat on Cross Street in Macclesfield during August 2025, following a heated argument that escalated into violence.
Violent Confrontation Leads to Tragic Outcome
Makepeace had traveled from her home in Tan Y Don, Prestatyn, to stay with Rothwell for several days in mid-August 2025. The situation deteriorated on August 18th when Rothwell received a phone call from a recent ex-girlfriend who revealed she had been intimate with another man. This disclosure provoked Rothwell's anger, leading him to confront the woman outside his residence.
During this confrontation, Makepeace physically assaulted the woman by slapping her face while also directing verbal abuse toward her. A passing motorist witnessed the altercation and promptly reported it to authorities, resulting in police attendance at the scene shortly afterward.
Fatal Stabbing and Subsequent Deception
After police departed later that evening, Makepeace fatally stabbed 41-year-old Steven Rothwell in the chest. She remained at the address overnight before departing the following morning. Throughout August 19th, Makepeace contacted multiple friends, disclosing that she had stabbed Rothwell. In one particularly damning communication, she sent a voice note stating 'I've murdered my boyfriend'.
Later that night at 10:19 PM, Makepeace placed a 999 emergency call using the false name 'Katie'. She informed the operator that she had stabbed Rothwell and that he was deceased at the address, while falsely claiming to still be present at the scene. In reality, she had already returned to rural North Wales.
Makepeace attempted to justify her actions by claiming self-defense, alleging that Rothwell had attacked her first. Police officers arrived at 1A Cross Street, Macclesfield at 10:43 PM and discovered Rothwell's lifeless body with a single stab wound to his chest, covered by a yellow blanket.
Forensic Evidence Contradicts Self-Defense Claims
Medical experts determined that the violent attack had occurred significantly earlier than Makepeace's emergency call suggested. Forensic pathologist Dr. Medcalf testified that Rothwell would have died within ten minutes of sustaining the injury, casting serious doubt on Makepeace's account of events.
The investigation revealed that the murder weapon had likely been washed and placed among other kitchen items. Forensic analysis confirmed Rothwell's blood on the knife and Makepeace's DNA on the handle, providing compelling physical evidence against her self-defense narrative.
Family Tribute and Legal Proceedings
In a statement released through Cheshire Police, Rothwell's family expressed their gratitude to the judicial system and investigative team. 'Steven was so resilient, mischievous and had the gentlest of hearts,' the tribute read. 'He found comfort in literature and spent many moments behind a book, either sat in a coffee shop or at the library. We're going to miss his witty sense of humour.'
Following an extensive investigation involving CCTV analysis and phone records, detectives identified Makepeace as the perpetrator. She was subsequently arrested and charged with murder. Aurin Makepeace is scheduled to be sentenced at Chester Crown Court on Friday, April 10, 2026.
