Trans Woman Gets Life for Murder After Meeting in Prison

Aurin Makepeace, 43, has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Steven Rothwell, 41, her former partner who she met in prison. Rothwell was found stabbed to death in his Macclesfield flat on August 19, 2025. The fatal incident occurred on August 18, 2025, following an argument involving Rothwell and his recent ex-girlfriend, Katie Taylor.

Makepeace, who had traveled from her home in North Wales to stay with Rothwell, assaulted Ms. Taylor during the street argument. Later that evening, after police had visited the flat, Makepeace and Rothwell argued, leading to Makepeace stabbing him in the chest. She claimed self-defense, stating the knife was inadvertently used during a grapple.