On July 23, 2023, a 43-year-old man, Dean Johnstone, was reported to have attacked a woman on Rose Bank Road, Newton Heath. This incident led to charges of attempted murder and assault against him.

The victim, 50-year-old Karen Youdell, a mother of four, tragically succumbed to her injuries on May 8, 2024. Following her death, Greater Manchester Police have updated the charges against Johnstone, now formally charging him with murder.

Johnstone, who has no fixed address, is scheduled to appear at Manchester Magistrates Court on January 22, 2025. A spokesperson for GMP stated, "Dean Johnstone has now had his charges amended from attempted murder and assault to murder. He has been remanded in custody to appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates Court."

Further details released by the police indicate that the charges stem from the attack reported in July 2023, which ultimately led to Karen's death in May 2024.

Karen's daughter, Leanne Youdell, remembered her mother as a 'loving, vibrant and radiant soul' who 'loved and cherished life'. She shared her memories with the Manchester Evening News, stating, "She was honestly so energetic and really bright. She was just so full of life. She spoke to everyone. She was always a people person and loved being up and about. She always got out as early as she could."