Frederico Canuzo named as teen accused of murdering mum in Chapelford

Frederico Canuzo has been charged with murder over an incident on Phoenix Place on Tuesday, August 29, 2023.

An anonymity order imposed at his first appearance before Warrington Magistrates’ Court due to his age has now expired as he has now turned 18.

Canuzo’s case came back before Liverpool Crown Court this morning, Monday, for a pre-trial review hearing.

At around 9.40am on August 29 last year, Cheshire Police was called to reports of an incident at an address on Phoenix Place.

Officers and paramedics attended and found that a 48-year-old woman had been seriously assaulted outside her home.

Sadly, despite the best efforts of all those involved, the woman was pronounced dead at the scene.

She was later named as Chintzia McIntyre, and now, due to anonymity restrictions expiring, it can be revealed that she and the defendant are mother and son.

Detectives launched a murder investigation following the death and a 17-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of murder in connection to the incident.

Police at the scene on Phoenix Place in Chapelford (Image: Newsquest)

The 17-year-old boy, now 18-year-old Canuzo, was later charged with the murder of Ms McIntyre.

A trial date was provisionally set for January 29, although he is yet to enter a plea to the charge, and this was pushed back further to June 24.

However, in April, this trial date was vacated, with today’s date being the only remaining date scheduled for the case.

At today’s hearing, at which the defendant was not present, judge Andrew Menary confirmed that due to the defendant reaching the age of 18, reporting restrictions have expired, with no applications made to impose fresh restrictions, or any ‘sensitivities’ giving grounds for them to be extended.

Daniel Travers, representing the prosecution, sought a further adjournment to proceedings for an update on the defendant to be given to the court.

Following discussion with Judge Menary and defence counsel Oliver Small, a hearing date has been set for July 18, back before Liverpool Crown Court.

Before adjourning, judge Menary said: “In this matter, the defendant, Frederico Canuzo, is charged with an offence of murder. He is currently in custody,

“No trial date has yet been fixed. I have adjourned the hearing today to July 18 for an up-to-date position to be provided.

“I am satisfied therefore there is a good and sufficient reason for this application to be made, and that the Crown has exercised all due diligence.”

Police at the scene on Phoenix Place in Chapelford (Image: Newsquest)

Residents reported seeing a huge police presence in the Phoenix Place vicinity on the morning of the incident, with at least seven police cars and vans spotted.

The police helicopter was spotted circling the area, while an air ambulance was also believed to have been dispatched.

A blue and yellow forensics tent was soon erected at the scene, with paramedics attending by road ambulance to assist.

People living in the area reported police knocking on doors and visiting businesses asking residents for statements and doorbell camera footage.

DS Jon Betts, of Warrington Local Policing Unit, said on the day of the incident: “I would like to reassure residents that this is believed to be an isolated incident and there is no risk to the wider community.

“There is currently an increased police presence in the area, and I would urge anyone with any concerns to speak to an officer.”

Cheshire Police wishes to remind readers that legal proceedings are now active, and it is crucial that people avoid sharing details which could identify the defendant or speculate online about this case, as it could prejudice the legal process.