BREAKING: Gay Couple Charged with Rape and Murder of Adopted Child

Last Updated on June 16, 2025

A shocking case has emerged in the UK, where two gay men charged with the rape and murder of 13-month-old Preston Davey were in the process of adopting him.

On June 12, 2025, authorities charged Jamie Varley, 36, with murder and multiple sexual and cruelty offenses, while John McGowan-Fazakerley, 31, faces charges for allowing the child’s death.

Consequently, this tragedy, following Preston’s unresponsive arrival at Blackpool Victoria Hospital on July 27, 2023, has sparked urgent debates over adoption safety. The case unfolded when police arrived at Blackpool Victoria Hospital at 7:15 PM on July 27, 2023, after Preston Davey arrived unresponsive; he died shortly after.

Furthermore, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) listed severe charges against Varley, including murder and ten counts of taking indecent photographs. Additionally, they charged McGowan-Fazakerley with allowing the death and sexual assault.

Additionally, both men, from Grimsargh near Preston, were adopting the infant, highlighting potential flaws in vetting processes.

Investigators uncovered a grim pattern of abuse leading to Preston’s death. Varley faces five counts of cruelty and two counts of assault by penetration, while McGowan-Fazakerley faces two cruelty charges, per the CPS.

Moreover, police re-arrested both on June 11, 2025, after a thorough probe, charging them the next day. The men’s relocation from Blackpool to Grimsargh suggests an attempt to avoid detection, though evidence linked them to the crime. This case exposes serious gaps in adoption oversight.

• Charges Against Jamie Varley:

  • One count of murder

  • One count of manslaughter

  • Two counts of assault by penetration of a child under 13, contrary to section 6(1) of the Sexual Offences Act 2003

  • Five counts of cruelty to a person under 16, contrary to section 1(1) of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933

  • One count of inflicting grievous bodily harm, contrary to section 20 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1863

  • One count of sexual assault of a child under 13, contrary to section 7(1) of the Sexual Offences Act 2003

  • Ten counts of taking indecent photographs of a child, contrary to section 1(1)(a) of the Protection of Children Act 1978

  • One count of distributing indecent photographs of a child, contrary to section 1(1)(a) of the Protection of Children Act 1978

  • Two counts of possession of an indecent pseudo image of a child, contrary to section 160(1) of the Criminal Justice Act 1988

  • One count of possession of an extreme pornographic image, contrary to section 63(1) of the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008

• Charges Against John McGowan-Fazakerley:

  • One count of allowing the death of a child, contrary to section 5 of the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004

  • Two counts of cruelty to a person under 16, contrary to section 1(1) of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933

  • One count of sexual assault of a child under 13, contrary to section 7(1) of the Sexual Offences Act 2003

A parallel tragedy in the U.S. amplifies these concerns. In Georgia, William Zulock, 34, and Zachary Zulock, 36, a gay couple, received life sentences with 100 years without parole for sexually abusing their adopted sons, aged 12 and 10.

Consequently, this Walton County case, reported by The Economic Times on November 19, 2024, involved the brothers enduring prolonged abuse. Furthermore, it underscores similar risks in adoption systems, connecting to Preston’s case.

The public has reacted with fury, demanding tighter adoption laws over the rape and murder of Preston. Social media reflects widespread anger, with calls for accountability growing louder.

This case triggers calls for policy changes. The CPS and Lancashire Police worked closely, yet the abuse escaped notice until Preston’s death. Therefore, advocates push to ban gay couples from adopting and demand stricter background checks and home monitoring.

The rape and murder of Preston Davey by his adoptive guardians expose severe adoption flaws. These issues sharply highlight the dangers of gay men adopting children. Pressure mounts for stronger safeguards. These aim to protect children from predators in the LGBT community. Updates will track the legal process.