Man murdered girlfriend, 21, decapitated her then pretended to be her

Undated handout photo issued by Police Scotland of Ewan Methven. Ewan Methven, now 27, has admitted murdering and decapitating his 21-year-old girlfriend before texting her mother pretending to be her and searching for internet pornography. Methven murdered Phoenix Spencer-Horn, 21, in the home they shared on November 16 last year, after the couple ordered a takeaway to their flat in Glen Lee, East Kilbride on a Saturday night. On Tuesday, Methven pleaded guilty to murder and attempting to defeat the ends of justice at the High Court in Glasgow. Issue date: Tuesday June 17, 2025. PA Photo. See PA story COURTS Methven. Photo credit should read: Police Scotland/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder. — Ewan Methve pleaded guilty to murder (Picture: Police Scotland/PA Wire)

A man has admitted to murdering and decapitating his girlfriend before texting her mum pretending to be her.

Ewan Methven, 27, killed Phoenix Spencer-Horn, 21, at the home they shared in Kilbride’s Glen Lee, South Lanarkshire, on November 16

Methven, a Royal Mail postman, attacked Phoenix with three knives, stabbing her 20 times, before choking her.

Prosecutors say he severed her head and tried to remove her limbs and torso.

Earlier that day, Methven said Phoenix’s shifts as a waitress made him feel ‘lonely’.

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The couple had been together for two years, having met at a family party.

Death of woman ? Glen Lee, East Kilbride A 26-year-old man has been arrested and charged following the death of a woman in Glen Lee, East Kilbride. Around 12.10pm on Monday, 18 November, 2024, the body of Phoenix Spencer-Horn, 21, was found within a flat on Glen Lee. Her family is aware. The 26-year-old man is due to appear at Hamilton Sheriff Court on Wednesday, 20 November, 2024. A report has been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal. Detective Chief Inspector Susie Cairns, Lanarkshire CID, said: ?Phoenix?s family are obviously stunned and completely devastated by what has happened and we will continue to support them and those affected during this very distressing time. ?Officers remain at the scene however there is no wider risk to the public.? — Phoenix Spencer-Horn, 21, was found within a flat on Glen Lee (Picture: Police Scotland)

Phoenix texted her mum, Alison Spencer, at 9.37pm, saying they were eating dinner.

Just before midnight, Methen attacked Phoenix. He then spent the weekend driving the victim’s red Corsa, searching for pornography on her phone and trying to buy cocaine.

Prosecutor Christopher McKenna said: ‘Late on Saturday, November 16, he strangled her and stabbed her. He dialled 999 but not until November 18.

‘Her mutilated and decapitated body was discovered only on November 18.’

Methven pleaded guilty to murder and attempting to defeat the ends of justice at the High Court in Glasgow today.

He will be sentenced next month.

Detective Chief Inspector Susie Cairns said: ‘My thoughts remain with Phoenix’s family and friends as they continue to try to come to terms with what happened.’

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