A man who killed a male model at a Halloween party while dressed as a clown has been sentenced to life in prison. Bhekisani Matabiswana was convicted of murdering 36-year-old Luke Harden in Stacksteads, Lancashire, on November 1, 2025.

The attack occurred when Harden was on the ground in what prosecutors described as a defenseless position. Video evidence was presented during the case, though details of the footage's contents were not fully disclosed in court proceedings.

Matabiswana, whose age was reported as either 26 or 27 in court records, was sentenced on Monday following his conviction. The judge characterized the killing as a cowardly act during sentencing.

The incident took place at a Halloween party, where Matabiswana was wearing a clown costume at the time of the attack. Prosecutors indicated the assault was unprovoked, though specific details about what led to the confrontation were not immediately available.

The case attracted attention due to the circumstances surrounding the Halloween party setting and the defendant's costume. Harden was described as a male model, though additional details about his background were not provided in court documents.