Man jailed for life for murdering friend in Derby
Thomas Turner stabbed Mandy Riley 11 times in the neck at her home in Normanton in 2025
A man has been jailed for life after murdering his friend and then stealing from her.
Thomas Turner stabbed Mandy Riley 11 times in the neck at her home in Normanton.
After carrying out the killing, Turner stole money from Ms Riley’s handbag before trying to cover his tracks by washing his clothes.
Turner and Ms Riley had been drinking and smoking together at her flat at Harriet Tubman House on 4 June 2025.
It is thought he asked her for money, which she refused, and Turner then lost his temper, stabbing her repeatedly.
After stealing money from Ms Riley, Turner left the flat at around 10.30pm and soon after, was captured on CCTV using the cash to buy alcohol.
He then went to the house of another friend in Duncan Road where he put his clothes into the washing machine before leaving without speaking to anyone.
Ms Riley’s body was discovered just after 10.30am the following day by another friend who was due to take her to a medical appointment and became concerned after getting no response to phone calls.
When Ms Riley’s friend had left her flat the previous night, the only other person present at the time had been Turner.
Turner, of Uttoxeter New Road, Derby, was arrested just before 5pm on 5 June on suspicion of murder.
While in police custody he refused to leave his cell to be interviewed and when questioned in custody, remained silent.
Forensic tests showed Turner’s DNA was on the strap and outside of Ms Riley’s purse and a distinctive crack pipe belonging to Ms Riley was found at the Duncan Road address with Turner’s belongings.
Turner was charged with Ms Riley’s murder on 8 June 2025.
He denied the offence but was found guilty on 2 April 2026 after a trial at Loughborough Crown Court.
He appeared at Lincoln Crown Court for sentence on 28 April where he was jailed for life with a minimum of 28 years.
Detective Chief Inspector Laura Sanders, who led the investigation, said: “Mandy was in her own home when her life was so cruelly ended – all so her supposed friend could take her money and then use it to fund his drink and drugs habit.
“After stabbing and killing Mandy, Turner went to another friend’s house to wash his clothes. CCTV also shows him wiping his shoes on grass in a bid to clean them. The t-shirt and trainers he was wearing at the time have never been found.
“These were not the actions of a man with nothing to hide, this was a deliberate and calculated move by a killer who had taken the life of his friend for money.
“Turner has never given a reason for his actions on that night, instead repeatedly insisting he wasn’t responsible for Mandy’s death.
“Thankfully the jury didn’t believe any of his lies and convicted him of murder.
“I know that no jail sentence will ever give Mandy’s family back what they have lost, but I hope that knowing Turner will most likely spend the rest of his life behind bars will help them to begin rebuilding their lives.
“I’d like to thank Mandy’s family and friends for all of their help and support in ensuring Turner was brought to justice. My thoughts will remain with them as they start to look towards the future.”