MAN ACCUSED OF KILLING GRINDR DATE TELLS COURT VICTIM 'TURNED PURPLE' AFTER SEX
A man on trial for the alleged murder of his Grindr date has recounted the moment he saw his supposed victim turn 'purple'.Michael Barron, 38, was discovered dead in a flat after an encounter with Josh Baxter, 28, whom he met via Grindr in January 2025.
Prosecutors claim Baxter strangled and choked Barron with such force that it resulted in a fractured bone and cartilage, leading to cerebral hypoxia, cardiac arrest, and his death.
Baxter, who pleaded not guilty to manslaughter, claimed they engaged in consensual sex, including choking as part of a role play; he insisted there was no intention to harm.
After the act, Baxter said he fell asleep on Barron, who then turned 'light purple'.
Noticing the change, Baxter called emergency services and performed CPR.
He later conducted a Google search asking if strangling someone accidentally results in prison, indicating his concern about legal consequences.
Baxter's defense argued that he had no intent to hurt Barron, believed their activities were consensual role play, and that he had no reason to suspect he was causing serious harm.
The court heard about their conversation on messages and in person, describing their sexual preferences and the events leading up to the death.
The trial is ongoing at Minshull Street Crown Court in Manchester.
