UPDATE: A shocking court case unfolds as a 38-year-old man, identified as Michael Barron, was allegedly killed during a dangerous sexual encounter arranged through the dating app Grindr. The incident reportedly occurred on January 26, 2025, at the home of Josh Baxter, 28, who is now facing serious charges, including manslaughter.
Details revealed in Minshull Street Crown Court today illustrate a disturbing sequence of events. Prosecutors allege that Baxter encouraged Barron to consume excessive alcohol, rendering him incapacitated. It is claimed that Baxter then restrained Barron face-down on a bed, during which he allegedly choked him with such force that he suffered a fractured hyoid bone and cartilage in his neck, leading to cerebral hypoxia and cardiac arrest.
The court heard that following the incident, Baxter conducted alarming online searches, including: “If you accidentally kill someone by strangling them during sex do you go to prison?” and “how to tell if someone is alive.” This behavior raises serious questions about his state of mind during and after the horrific event.
Prosecutor Anna Whyte KC described Baxter as having “quite specific sexual interests,” which he openly communicated to Barron. Conversations on Grindr revealed a mutual interest in “high-risk sexual activity,” with Baxter allegedly stating he wanted to “choke him, tie him up, pull his hair” and engage in “rape role play.” These messages paint a troubling picture of consent and the boundaries of dangerous sexual practices.
As the evening unfolded, Barron was reported to have consented to various acts, including being force-fed vodka. However, prosecutors argue that consent does not absolve Baxter of responsibility, especially when he clearly foresaw the potential risks involved.
The timeline of the night is chilling. Shortly after the two men met, they attempted to procure Ketamine and bought additional alcohol. The last recorded activity on Barron’s phone occurred at 5:45 PM, when he called a drug dealer. Between 7:00 PM and 7:56 PM, it is believed that Barron was sexually assaulted, restrained, and ultimately choked to death.
Baxter’s actions post-incident are particularly disturbing. He reportedly ordered food via Deliveroo, messaged other individuals on Grindr, and conducted searches related to Barron’s condition, all while Barron lay unresponsive with a purple face, displaying clear signs of distress.
Despite the gravity of the situation, Baxter did not call for emergency assistance until much later. When he finally contacted authorities, he claimed he had been out getting food and only noticed Barron’s condition upon his return. Prosecutors argue this reflects a profound indifference to Barron’s wellbeing.
In her opening remarks, Ms. Whyte accused Baxter of reckless behavior driven by a “quest for sexual gratification,” suggesting that Barron’s death was not merely an accident but a foreseeable outcome of Baxter’s actions.
Baxter, who has denied all charges, remains in custody as the trial continues. The court proceedings are expected to last up to two weeks, with the case drawing significant attention due to its shocking nature and implications on consent and sexual safety.
As the trial develops, it raises critical questions about the responsibilities of individuals engaged in high-risk sexual activities and the potential consequences of crossing moral and legal boundaries in the pursuit of personal desires. This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that can arise in intimate encounters facilitated by modern dating platforms.
