Man Admits to Brutal Murder and Mutilation of Girlfriend in East Kilbride Flat

Phoenix was killed in the gruesome attack at her home in East Kilbride last November

Ewan Methven, 27, has admitted to the brutal murder of his 21-year-old girlfriend, Phoenix Spencer-Horn, at their shared home in East Kilbride, Scotland. The horrifying crime took place in November 2024 and involved multiple acts of extreme violence, including stabbing, strangulation, and mutilation of the victim’s body.

Appearing at the High Court in Glasgow, Methven pled guilty to charges of murder and attempting to defeat the ends of justice. Prosecutors revealed that the murder occurred on November 16, shortly after the couple had ordered a takeaway to their top-floor flat in Glen Lee. Earlier that evening, Phoenix had exchanged cheerful messages with her mother, Alison Spencer, indicating they were having dinner. The court was told that Methven had been feeling resentful over Phoenix’s waitress job, saying it made him “lonely.”

Methven pleaded guilty at the High Court in Glasgow

In the early hours of the following day, Methven launched a frenzied attack, stabbing Phoenix 20 times with three different knives, choking her, and eventually decapitating her. The mutilation continued in a gruesome attempt to dismember her body and conceal the murder.

For the next two days, Methven tried to cover up his crime. He sent deceptive messages to Phoenix’s mother, pretending she was still alive, and continued using Phoenix’s phone while driving her red Vauxhall Corsa around town. During this period, he browsed internet pornography and made attempts to purchase cocaine. He did not call emergency services until November 18, two days after the killing.

The 21-year-old was subjected to a horrifying attack by her partner

Prosecutor Christopher McKenna stated that Phoenix's mutilated and decapitated body was found only after Methven finally made the 999 call. In that call, Methven claimed the murder was the result of a psychotic episode brought on by cocaine, alcohol, and steroids. However, earlier witness accounts—including a delivery driver—suggested Methven did not appear intoxicated at the time the food was delivered around 8 p.m.

Phoenix had reportedly been in good spirits at work earlier that same day and had visited her mother the day before the attack. The court heard that she and Methven had been in a relationship for two years, having met at a family gathering.

Members of Phoenix's grieving family were also present as Methven entered guilty pleas

Detective Chief Inspector Susie Cairns emphasized the gravity of the crime and expressed sympathy for the victim’s family. “My thoughts remain with Phoenix’s family and friends as they continue to try to come to terms with what happened. Methven now faces the consequences of his actions. Violence such as this is never acceptable in our communities, and we will work tirelessly to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.”

Members of Phoenix’s grieving family were present in court as Methven's legal counsel, KC Tony Graham, formally entered guilty pleas. Sentencing is scheduled for Monday, July 14, 2025.

Police at the scene of a murder outside flats in Glen Lee, East Kilbride