Bournemouth, Crime | Posted on April 8th, 2026 | return to news

Murder charge following death of Christchurch man – family issue tribute

The family of James Blanch who died in Charminster have issued a tribute to him, with police still seeking more information.

A man has been charged with murder following the death of James Blanch, 41, in Charminster Road on Monday 6 April.

At around 3am officers received a report of an assault outside MyBar. Subsequently, two men from Bournemouth – aged 37 and 46 – and a 34-year-old man from Poole were arrested on suspicion of murder. They have all been released under investigation.

A fourth man was subsequently arrested and, following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, he has now been charged. 35-year-old Bournemouth man Rico Wilson, a British national who gave his self-defined ethnicity as white British, is due to appear at Poole Magistrates’ Court today, Wednesday 8 April, for an offence of murder.

A 39-year-old man from Bournemouth who was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender has been released on bail pending further enquiries.

The family has issued the following tribute: “Our lovely James was sadly taken away from us. He was the most incredible, lovable human that lit up any room with his massive smile.

“He was not just my husband but an incredible father to our two beautiful children who are heartbroken beyond belief. My James was an amazing husband, father son, brother, uncle and friend. He was the most loyal person who would do anything for anyone.

“James would just make everything better and always tell you that ‘It’s going to be alright’. Everything he did was for his two children who he loved more than anything in the world. I am forever grateful for our 18 years together and I will continue to make you proud with our two children.

“We are all utterly heartbroken and nothing will ever feel the same again.

“We love you James, daddy, today, tomorrow and forever.” – Leanne, Ronnie and Blossom.

Detective Chief Inspector Nicky Jenkins, of Dorset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “Following a detailed investigation, we have liaised with the Crown Prosecution Service and it has authorised a charge of murder. We have continued to keep the family of James Blanch fully updated with the progress of our investigation.

“This matter will now be the subject of active court proceedings and it is vital that the judicial process is allowed to follow its course. We would urge members of the public to refrain from any commentary, particularly online and on social media, that could potentially prejudice these proceedings.”

Detectives are continuing to urge anyone with information that might assist their investigation to contact Dorset Police online or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55260048268. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online using its website or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.