A 43-year-old transgender woman from North Wales faces life behind bars after fatally stabbing her former partner, a convicted murderer, in his Cheshire flat. Aurin Makepeace stabbed Steven Rothwell, 41, in the chest on August 18, 2025. His body was discovered the next day in the bathroom of his Macclesfield home at 1A Cross Street.
Relationship and Visit Leading to Tragedy
Makepeace and Rothwell, both former inmates, developed a relationship in a men’s prison before it ended around 2023. They stayed in touch despite seeing others. On August 15, 2025, Makepeace traveled from Prestatyn, Wales, to Rothwell’s flat for a short stay.
Tensions escalated on August 18 when Rothwell’s recent ex-girlfriend, Katie Taylor, called and admitted sleeping with another man. Rothwell grew furious, left the flat, and argued with Taylor in the street. Makepeace joined the confrontation, slapping Taylor and hurling verbal abuse.
A motorist witnessed the dispute and alerted police. Officers arrived, spoke with Taylor and Rothwell at the flat where Makepeace remained, visibly upset and angry toward Taylor.
The Fatal Stabbing and Aftermath
Hours after police departed, Makepeace stabbed Rothwell during another argument. She stayed overnight, left the next morning, and contacted friends, admitting the act—including a voice note stating, “I’ve murdered my boyfriend.”
That evening, at 10:19 p.m. on August 19, Makepeace called 999 using the name “Katie,” claiming self-defense after Rothwell attacked her. She falsely said she was still at the scene. Officers arrived at 10:43 p.m., finding Rothwell dead under a yellow blanket with a single chest wound.
Forensic analysis showed the attack occurred well before the call. The knife, cleaned and placed in the kitchen, bore Rothwell’s blood and Makepeace’s DNA on the handle.
Trial, Defense, and Verdict
At Chester Crown Court, Makepeace claimed she grappled with Rothwell as he held the knife to leave and confront Taylor’s affair partner, causing an accidental stab wound. She said he was alive when she left, too scared to call for help.
Forensic pathologist Dr. Medcalf testified Rothwell died within 10 minutes of the injury, deeming Makepeace’s account unlikely. A jury convicted her of murder last month after less than two hours of deliberation.
Chester Crown Court sentenced Makepeace to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 27 years.
Police and Family Statements
Detective Inspector Simon Mills stated: “From the outset Makepeace’s account of how the knife ‘accidentally’ entered Mr Rothwell’s chest was not plausible. Evidentially we proved that Makepeace was lying, and we proved that she stayed the night in the address which again completely contradicted her account in interview. The jury saw straight through Makepeace’s lies and delivered a unanimous guilty verdict.”
Cheshire Police noted extensive CCTV and phone analysis led to Makepeace’s arrest in North Wales after initial suspicion fell on others, who were cleared.
Rothwell’s family expressed gratitude: “We’d like to thank the judge, jury and counsel for the verdict reached on Aurin Makepeace today, and a huge thank you to the team who have been working behind the scenes. The support and guidance we have received from Cheshire Police has been a huge comfort during this trying time. Mr Rothwell was so resilient, mischievous and had the gentlest of hearts and we’re going to miss that strength he brought. He found a lot of comfort in literature and spent many moments behind a book, either sat in a coffee shop or at the library. He will be forever thought about and we’re going to miss his witty sense of humour.”
