MORE than £2000 has been donated to pay for the funeral of a man killed in the grounds of Wigan Parish Church, in Greater Manchester, last week.
Steven McMyler, aged 34, from Wigan, suffered fatal head injuries during an early-evening altercation at All Saints’, Wallgate, in Wigan town centre, the historic Wigan Parish Church. An online appeal was launched by his friend Megan Woodham, who wrote: “Trying to raise money to take financial pressures off a family who are grieving for the loss. Let’s give him the best send off and the send off he truly deserves. Sleep tight Steven x”.
Tributes, including flowers, photographs, and balloons, have been left by a bench in the churchyard close to where Mr McMyler died.
A Team Vicar in the Wigan Benefice, the Revd Will Gibbons, said that the church was “deeply saddened” to learn of Mr McMyler’s death. “Our sincere condolences go out to his family and friends. It is distressing for all the community that such a violent incident has taken place in the public area near our church, and we appeal to anyone who needs our support to get in touch with us.
“While not a member of our congregation, everyone is welcome in our church, and we pray for Steven, his family, and anyone affected by this terrible crime. We will continue praying for peace, justice, and comfort during this difficult time.”
A teenager, Jordan Short, 19, of Rushey Hey Road, Kirkby, has been charged with murder by Merseyside Police. He was held in custody, due to appear at Wigan Magistrates’ Court on Thursday. A 13-year-old boy was also arrested on suspicion of murder. The boy remains in custody for questioning.
Three men, aged 30, 19, and 18, arrested earlier this week on suspicion of murder, and an 18-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, have all been released on bail under investigation. Police have released CCTV pictures of four men whom they want to interview in connection with the incident.
Detective Inspector Wes Knights, of Greater Manchester Police’s major-incident team, said: “This devastating incident has left Stephen’s family feeling broken, and they deserve answers. We have a team of dedicated specialist officers supporting them at this awful time.”