Tributes paid to Stone man Jamie Evans, as murder investigation continues

The family of 20 year old Jamie Evans from Stone has paid tribute to their “wonderful son, loving brother and doting uncle” as detectives continue a murder investigation into his death.

Staffordshire Police was called to Orme Road in Newcastle-under-Lyme just after 5pm on Friday 4 September by West Midlands Ambulance Service.

The force initially said officers had been called to a collision involving a red Ford Fiesta and a grey Audi. The driver of the Fiesta, then described as a man in his 20s, was found with injuries deemed consistent with a stab wound.

He was taken to hospital, where he died. Police subsequently named him as Jamie Evans, 20, from Stone.

Jamie’s family said his warmth, kindness and great sense of humour brought happiness to everyone around him.

They said

“Jamie was so passionate about cricket and fitness, enjoying every opportunity to be active, challenge himself and spend time doing the things he loved. These passions reflected his determination, energy and zest for life.

“Although his life was far too short, the love he gave, the laughter he shared and the memories he created will remain in the hearts of all who knew him.

“He will be deeply loved, profoundly missed and never forgotten.

“We’d like to thank the members of the public who so kindly went to Jamie’s aid and tried to help him.”

Jamie’s family is being supported by specially trained officers.

Stone cricket club pays tribute

Stone SP Cricket Club has also paid tribute to Jamie, who it said had many friends at the club and had shared the cricket field with several of its current players while representing Staffordshire cricket.

The club remembered him as “a talented wicketkeeper and, more importantly, a lovely lad”.

In its tribute, Stone SP Cricket Club said

“Everyone at Stone SP Cricket Club is deeply saddened to hear the heartbreaking news of the passing of Jamie Evans.

“Living locally, Jamie had many friends at the club and also shared the cricket field with several of our current players whilst representing Staffordshire cricket.

“He will be remembered as a talented wicketkeeper and, more importantly, a lovely lad.

“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Jamie’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.

“Rest peacefully, Jamie.”

Three arrested in murder investigation

In its latest public update on Sunday 6 September, Staffordshire Police said two men, aged 20 and 22 and both from the Newcastle-under-Lyme area, had been arrested on suspicion of murder.

The force said it had been granted extra time to question the two men and that they remained in custody at the time of the update.

A 19 year old man from the Newcastle-under-Lyme area had also been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder and remained in custody at that time.

Detectives have appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

Earlier in the investigation, police particularly asked for CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage from around Orme Road, Rotterdam and Mill Bank Place.

A Major Incident Public Portal has been set up for information relating to the investigation.

Anyone wishing to provide information anonymously can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.