The brutal murder of Jamie Gawler, 54, in his Hereford flat has been laid bare in a new BBC documentary, exposing the twisted motive of his killer, Matthew Jonathan, 39. The two-part series, Murder 24/7, airs tonight (Tuesday, August 4) and tomorrow, featuring disturbing police bodycam footage and revealing how Jonathan tortured his victim over several days before fleeing.
Discovery of the Crime Scene
Jamie Gawler was found dead in an armchair at his flat in Brierley Court, Hereford, in January 2025. A towel had been draped over his face, and when removed, it revealed horrific wounds to his head, neck, and chest. Police bodycam footage captured the aftermath: blood stains, a smashed-up table, and 11 empty vodka bottles scattered around the scene.
West Mercia Police launched an investigation, and it soon emerged that Gawler had selflessly allowed Jonathan, who was of no fixed abode, to stay with him after meeting him just a month earlier. According to Worcester Crown Court, Jonathan repaid that kindness with unimaginable cruelty.
The Motive: Torture and Theft
As detectives pieced together the evidence, a chilling motive emerged. Jonathan had used Gawler's bank card to buy alcohol while his victim lay dying. The court heard that Gawler was tortured over several days, with Jonathan filming parts of the attack while hurling homophobic abuse. In one sick video, Gawler can be heard pleading for his mother; in another, Jonathan brags about being willing to serve a long prison sentence.
After Gawler died, Jonathan left the body in the flat and boarded a train to Cardiff with a friend, eventually getting off at Porth, where he was arrested outside Square's nightclub.
Court Proceedings and Sentence
Jonathan initially denied any involvement, claiming he left Gawler alive and was distraught at his death. However, in April 2025, he admitted murder. On Friday, September 12, 2025, he was sentenced at Worcester Crown Court to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 32 years.
Kate Seal, from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), condemned the crime at the sentencing hearing. She said: "Matthew Jonathan's torturous mistreatment of Jamie Gawler in his own home is a despicable crime. Jonathan subjected Jamie to prolonged violence over several days. At times he left Jamie alone, seriously injured, and unable to call for help whilst he went to buy alcohol with Jamie's money. He had the audacity to video his brutal violence and showed no mercy, even as Jamie pleaded for his mother. In one of the recordings, he bragged that he was willing to do a lengthy prison sentence for this offence which showed his complete disregard for Jamie's life. Jonathan's actions robbed an innocent man of his life and a family of a much-loved son, brother and uncle. While no one can change the outcome of these horrific events, I hope that today's sentence brings some justice to Jamie's family. My thoughts remain with them."
Family Tribute
In a statement, Gawler's family paid tribute to him, saying: "Jamie was a true gentleman and a very much-loved son, brother, uncle and friend. The family are devastated by his passing and will remember him as the kind, generous and funny man he was."
BBC Documentary: Murder 24/7
The BBC's Murder 24/7 documentary follows West Mercia Police from the moment the 999 call is received through the investigation and its outcome. The first episode airs tonight at 20:00, with the second following tomorrow (Wednesday, August 5). The series promises an in-depth look at how officers uncovered the truth behind this horrific crime.
