Paul Knight, 36, received a life sentence with a minimum of 17 years for strangling his wife, Isobella “Izzy” Knight, 32, on June 13, 2025, in their Burton Latimer, Northamptonshire home while their two young daughters slept upstairs.
Case Details
Judge Adrienne Lucking described the killing as Knight losing his temper in a cocaine-fueled rage, with no clear motive beyond his anger and drug use. Prosecutor Pavlos Panayi highlighted Knight’s significant cocaine intoxication as a factor. After the murder, Knight attempted suicide at home, crashed his car in a McDonald’s lot, leading police to discover Izzy’s body and a suicide note where he admitted the act, blaming his cocaine addiction and financial woes.
Legal Proceedings
Knight initially pleaded manslaughter but changed to guilty on murder charges at Northampton Crown Court on January 8, 2026. Sentencing occurred January 29, 2026. Police were alerted via the car crash; a post-mortem confirmed neck compression as the cause of death.
Family Impact
Izzy’s mother, Helena, called her a loving mother, treasured daughter, talented artist, and devoted friend who lived fully. Detective Chief Inspector Torie Harrison called it a tragic case of violence against a woman with a bright future, leaving her daughters motherless. The family vows to preserve Izzy’s memory for the girls.
