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Brutal Assault Leads to Tragic Stroke, Family Seeks Justice

Summary

  • Man stabbed in neck in 2008, died from stroke in 2023
  • Inquest rules death as unlawful killing, murder investigation underway
  • Family pleads for answers, says witnesses refuse to cooperate
Brutal Assault Leads to Tragic Stroke, Family Seeks Justice

In November 2025, an inquest into the death of Chris Linton revealed the devastating aftermath of a brutal attack that occurred nearly 15 years ago. Linton, who was just 25 years old at the time, was stabbed in the neck in an unprovoked assault as he was walking home in October 2008.

The attack left Linton with severe health issues over the years, including a large pseudo-aneurysm that required emergency surgery in 2009. Despite his struggles, Linton tried to move on with his life, working as an RAC inspector and spending time with his young son. Tragically, in May 2023, Linton suffered a massive stroke and passed away at the age of 40.

An inquest last month ruled that Linton's death was an unlawful killing, directly linked to the 2008 stabbing. The hearing revealed that police had "missed opportunities" in the initial investigation, with vital evidence and witness statements lost. Shockingly, a list of named witnesses had refused to cooperate with the police, leaving Linton's family without answers.

Linton's mother, Tracey McLeod, is now pleading for justice, describing her son as a "wonderful" and "big-hearted" person who never deserved such a tragic fate. A murder investigation is now underway, with police appealing to the public for any information that could help bring closure to the family and hold the perpetrators accountable.

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In 2008, Chris Linton, then 25 years old, was stabbed in the neck in an unprovoked attack while walking home. The assault left him with severe health issues over the years, and he tragically died from a stroke in 2023 at the age of 40.
An inquest ruled that Linton's death was an unlawful killing directly linked to the 2008 stabbing. The attack had caused long-term health problems that ultimately led to his fatal stroke.
Linton's family is pleading for answers and justice, as the initial police investigation had "missed opportunities" and a list of named witnesses refused to cooperate. They want the perpetrators to be held accountable for the attack that devastated their family.

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