Dad Claims He Accidentally Stabbed Daughter While Play Fighting
A father accused of murdering his daughter insists it was a tragic accident during a playful moment in their kitchen
Darlington, Co Durham, Scarlett Vickers, Simon Vickers, Murder, Accident
The whole thing happened in their kitchen, where Scarlett ended up with a devastating stab wound to her heart. Vickers said they were just messing around, but it turned into a nightmare when he accidentally hurt her. He told the police that one moment he was cooking, and the next, there was blood everywhere.
He explained that he had thrown a spatula, not realizing he was also holding a knife. The injury was so severe that it pierced her heart, and she collapsed right there on the kitchen floor. The court heard from the prosecutor that the way the injury happened suggests it wasn’t just an accident.
A pathologist confirmed that the stab wound was fatal and couldn’t have happened by chance. The prosecutor argued that Vickers should be held responsible for murder, as he showed intent to cause serious harm.
Vickers had given different accounts of what happened, saying they were drinking wine and just having fun. A paramedic who arrived on the scene found Scarlett’s mom trying to perform CPR, and she mentioned that they were play fighting and throwing knives at each other.
When the police got there, they found both Vickers and his partner covered in blood and in shock. Vickers admitted he felt responsible for Scarlett’s death, but he insists it was a tragic accident. He described their relationship as loving and said their play fighting was normal for them.
Scarlett was pronounced dead shortly after the paramedics arrived. Vickers is facing charges of murder and manslaughter but denies both. The trial is set to continue, and it’s expected to last about ten days.