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Grindr Death Trial: Defendant Describes Date Turning 'Purple' and Calls Violent Chats 'Fantasy'

The trial centers on whether a rough-sex encounter crossed into unlawful choking that caused death.

Overview

  • Josh Baxter, 28, testified that he choked Michael Barron intermittently for about five seconds during sex and later tied him with rope at his Blackley flat.
  • Barron, 38, was found dead on January 26 after cerebral hypoxia followed by cardiac arrest, according to evidence presented to jurors.
  • Prosecutors allege Baxter strangled and choked Barron with enough force to fracture bone and cartilage, an accusation Baxter denies.
  • Baxter told the court the messaging was role play, said he fell asleep after sex, then noticed Barron’s face turning purple, called 999, and performed CPR.
  • He acknowledged telling another Grindr user he did not think choking was dangerous and later searched online about prison for accidental death during sex.