A man facing trial for the alleged killing of his Grindr date has described the moment he witnessed his supposed victim turn ‘purple’. Michael Barron had agreed to meet Josh Baxter for a sexual encounter following their connection on the dating app in January of the previous year. Barron, aged 38, traveled to Baxter’s residence in Blackley, north Manchester.
Barron was found deceased in the apartment on January 26, having suffered from cerebral hypoxia leading to cardiac arrest. Prosecutors argue that Baxter was motivated by high-risk sexual activity, strangling and choking Barron with such force that it caused bone and cartilage fractures.
Baxter, 28, denies manslaughter charges and is currently on trial at Minshull Street Crown Court in Manchester. The jury was informed that the pair initially interacted on Grindr before switching to WhatsApp for further communication.
During their conversations, Baxter allegedly expressed preferences for rough activities and inquired about engaging in rape role-play. Barron, on the other hand, communicated a desire for bondage and pain. Baxter claimed during his trial testimony that their discussions were purely fantasy and role-play with no intent to harm Barron.
According to Baxter, Barron arrived at his flat around 4:27 pm, leading to a conversation about movies and eventually their sexual boundaries. They purchased alcohol together and engaged in intimate activities, including consensual choking and bondage.
After falling asleep beside Barron, Baxter woke up to find him unresponsive. He tried to revive Barron and even called emergency services, but Barron could not be saved. Baxter’s online search following the incident raised suspicions, but he maintained that he did not intend to harm Barron.
Baxter, residing in Blackley, maintains his plea of not guilty to manslaughter charges.