Michael Cope Charged With Linzi Ashton Murder Michael Cope has been charged with the murder of his ex-girlfriend in Manchester. The 28-year-old is due to appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates' Court on Monday, when he will also face accusations of assault and rape. He is alleged to have killed 25-year-old Linzi Ashton, who was found dead at her home in Winton on June 29. A post mortem concluded Miss Ashton died as a result of pressure to the neck and multiple injuries. In a statement issued shortly after Miss Ashton's death, her family said: "She was the most beautiful, generous, caring person anyone could ever wish to meet. She would never harm anyone and was always there for her children and family.