Man beat carer to death in Wolverhampton flat after claiming 'he made a pass at him'

A man has been convicted of beating a carer to death inside his Wolverhampton flat after claiming he made a pass at him at a party. Concerned neighbours alerted the police after they heard alarming banging coming from the inside of an apartment in Merridale.

When the police arrived, Vitalie Tanga prevented them from entering for seven minutes and attempted to leave the scene. The officers found Alfred Mattox, 56, and another friend lying unconscious on the floor.

Mr Mattox was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries following the attack on May 10, 2021, but died a fortnight later. A post-mortem found he had sustained multiple facial fractures, a brain injury and multiple organ failure likely caused by either being kicked or heavily punched with a weapon.

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Tanga's second victim fortunately made a full recovery. Tanga was arrested and his bloodstained clothes and shoes seized.

During interview he denied assaulting the two men and made homophobic comments in relation to Mr Mattox. Police said Tanga had attacked the carer in his own home after claiming Mattox made a pass at him during a party.

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Yesterday, April 19, at Wolverhampton Crown Court Tanga, aged 40, of no fixed address, was found guilty of murder and assault.

Detective Inspector Ade George from the Homicide Unit at West Midlands Police, said: “At no point has Tanga taken any accountability for the violent attack on Mr Mattox and his friend. Instead he has put the family of Mr Mattox through the pain of having to sit through a trial.

“It is clear the Tanga had a problem with Mr Mattox’s sexuality so much so that he violently attacked him causing injuries that proved fatal. I hope today’s verdict brings some peace to Mr Mattox’s family.”

Vitalie Tanga will be sentenced on May 3.