Chris Hemming stabbed his ex-partner Cheryl McKenna multiple times after discovering she had started a new relationship. He then made a chilling call to a friend using her phone before dialling 999 and admitting the killing.
Chilling Call Before 999
On November 11, 2024, Hemming attacked Cheryl at the home they still shared on Other Road in Redditch. After stabbing her, he called a friend of Cheryl's and said: "I wish the camera worked on this phone so I could show you what I've done." He then called 999 and told the operator: "I stabbed her to death in the bed. I simply killed her, is the long and the short of it."
The couple had been in a relationship since 2010 but separated at the start of 2024. Hemming found messages on Cheryl's phone from a new lover, which triggered the attack.
Trial and Sentence
Hemming initially pleaded not guilty to murder but admitted manslaughter on the first day of his trial at Worcester Crown Court. However, halfway through the trial, he changed his plea to guilty. On July 21, 2025, he was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 15 years and 117 days.
Detective Chief Inspector Gareth Lougher of West Mercia Police said: "We welcome today's sentence as Hemming is an incredibly dangerous and manipulative individual, who has shown no remorse for his unforgivable actions. It is clear to us that the attack on Cheryl intended to kill her after he realised their relationship had ended, and he couldn't bear to see her happy with someone else. It was simply a case of if I can't have her, no one can."
Purely Evil Crime
DCI Lougher added: "What Hemming did that day was a purely evil crime, and despite admitting to the killing Cheryl when he called police, he then chose to enter a not guilty plea at court. I want to pay tribute to Cheryl's family who lost a mother, daughter, sister and aunt at the hands of someone who was once supposed to love and protect her. The loss they have felt, and will continue to feel, is unimaginable and I hope that today's sentencing will allow them for some closure moving forward."
BBC Documentary Coverage
The case is featured in the latest episode of Murder 24/7, a BBC true crime documentary that follows West Mercia Police from the 999 call to the trial. The episode airs tonight on BBC One at 9pm.
