Mother Buries Daughter’s Ashes Weeks After Turkey Holiday
Michele Kennedy, 55, was killed by her former husband days after returning from a holiday in Turkey. Her family say she had begun a new relationship while away. They later had to bury her ashes in the weeks that followed.
The attack and medical response
The stabbing took place on Manchester Road in Woolston, Warrington, on October 13. Ring doorbell footage shows Gavin Shaw enter Michele’s former home and leave three minutes later. Michele collapsed on the pavement and bystanders found her seriously injured.
Passers-by and workmen tried to help. One witness dialled 999 and others applied first aid. A consultant surgeon was flown to the scene and emergency treatment continued en route to Aintree Hospital.
Michele was admitted to hospital at 5.08pm. She underwent multiple operations but remained clinically unstable. She died of her injuries on October 18 at 10.18pm.
Suspect, confession and arrest
The defendant, 62-year-old Gavin Shaw, returned to his son’s nearby home after the attack with blood on his hands. Family members say he openly told them he had stabbed Michele. Footage from police body-worn cameras captured his arrest at the scene.
Shaw later admitted the stabbing and pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing. He was remanded to HMP Altcourse before being sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 15 years by Judge Brian Cummings KC.
Background to the killing
Shaw and Michele had been married for about 12 years. They separated roughly three months before the murder. Shaw then moved to live with his son two doors down on Manchester Road.
Family members described the relationship as volatile and marked by alcohol misuse. Police were called to incidents in the past. The couple had taken holidays together to the Canary Islands earlier in 2025, but those trips ended badly.
Events in the days before the murder
Michele travelled to Turkey with her mother between September 19 and 26. While there she met a man, Gordon Riddick, and the relationship developed. Riddick visited from Glasgow and spent the weekend with Michele on October 10–12.
Shaw sent hostile texts to family and contacts after learning of Michele’s new relationship. On the afternoon of October 13, he left his son’s home and was captured on camera approaching Michele’s address.
Family statements and court evidence
Michele’s son, Jordan Kennedy, described his mother as caring and central to family life. He said the loss left him “lost” and that he would have to sell the family home. He also spoke of the pain of explaining the death to a young granddaughter.
Michele’s mother, Patricia Lawton, told the court the holiday in Turkey had shown a happier side of her daughter. She said Michele had made plans to move on and rebuild her life. Patricia told the court that putting her daughter’s ashes in the ground was a “horrible” experience.
Investigators and legal arguments
Detective Inspector Eleanor Atkinson led the inquiry. She said jealousy and an inability to accept Michele moving on appeared to have motivated the attack. Cheshire Police released doorbell and bodycam footage as part of the investigation.
Prosecutors outlined Shaw’s behaviour on the day, including drinking and messaging family. Defence counsel accepted the killing was inexcusable but argued there was no premeditation. Shaw’s legal team noted his age and mental health history in mitigation.
Sentence and reaction
Shaw pleaded guilty in February and received a life sentence with a 15-year minimum. The court heard victim impact statements describing Michele’s humour, care for animals, and plans for a fresh start. Family members expressed that no sentence could restore what they had lost.
Filmogaz.com will continue to follow reporting on the case and any related developments in court and police statements.
