Adam Rowson is in prison after being convicted of the murder of Alexis De Naray, a former head chef, in Shrewsbury. Rowson beat De Naray to death in an abandoned garage and then used his bank card to purchase alcohol and scratchcards. He was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 16 years at Stafford Crown Court on 6 May 2026. The case shocked the local community and drew wider attention because of the victim’s background as a trained chef who had worked at one of London’s most prestigious hotels.
Who Is Adam Rowson?
Adam Rowson, 26, was of no fixed address at the time of the offence and described as a homeless alcoholic. He met Alexis De Naray at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital in the early hours of 24 June 2025. Rowson offered De Naray, who also struggled with alcohol dependency, somewhere to stay for the night — an offer that proved fatal for the former chef.
What Did Adam Rowson Do?
After meeting at the hospital, Rowson led Alexis De Naray to an abandoned garage in Shrewsbury. There, he subjected De Naray to a violent and sustained attack, leaving him dead or dying. A post-mortem examination revealed that Alexis had suffered a traumatic brain injury, 20 rib fractures — three of which occurred after his death — and multiple injuries to his head, torso, and upper limbs. The scale and ferocity of the attack was described by the trial judge as “violent and relentless.”
After the killing, Rowson used Alexis De Naray’s bank card to buy alcohol and scratchcards, spending the victim’s money freely until the card was blocked. This callous behaviour in the immediate aftermath of the murder formed a significant part of the prosecution’s case against him and was highlighted by the judge at sentencing as a particular aggravating feature of the offence.
Who Was Alexis De Naray?
Alexis De Naray, 45, was a former head chef who had trained at Leiths School of Food and Wine (now Leiths Cookery School) and had previously worked at Claridge’s, one of London’s most celebrated five-star hotels. At the time of his death he was living in Shrewsbury and, like Rowson, was struggling with alcohol dependency. His family and friends remembered him as a “truly beautiful human being” and were devastated by the manner of his death. Following the conviction of Adam Rowson, tributes were paid to Alexis by those who knew him.
The Trial and Conviction
Adam Rowson was tried at Stafford Crown Court. The trial lasted approximately two weeks, during which the jury heard evidence about the events of 24 June 2025, the injuries sustained by Alexis De Naray, and the subsequent use of his bank card by Rowson. On 8 April 2026, a jury of seven men and five women found Rowson guilty of murder after deliberating for around two hours and forty minutes.
The guilty verdict was the result of a joint investigation by West Mercia Police and the Crown Prosecution Service. Officers gathered CCTV footage, financial records, and forensic evidence to build the case against Rowson. The conviction brought some measure of justice to Alexis De Naray’s family, although his loved ones expressed that nothing could replace the loss they had experienced.
Sentencing: Life With 16-Year Minimum
On 6 May 2026, Judge Avik Mukherjee sentenced Adam Rowson to life imprisonment at Stafford Crown Court. The minimum term was set at 16 years, meaning Rowson must serve at least 16 years before the Parole Board can consider releasing him. At sentencing, the judge noted that Rowson had knowingly killed Alexis De Naray and had then “callously” used his bank card, “freely spending his money on anything that pleased you” until stopped by the bank. The judge described this as an aggravating feature that reflected the cold-blooded nature of the offending.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Adam Rowson in prison for?
Adam Rowson is in prison for the murder of Alexis De Naray, a former head chef, in Shrewsbury in June 2025. He beat De Naray to death in an abandoned garage and used his bank card afterwards.
How long is Adam Rowson’s sentence?
Adam Rowson received a life sentence with a minimum term of 16 years. He must serve at least 16 years before being considered for parole by the Parole Board.
Who was Alexis De Naray?
Alexis De Naray was a 45-year-old former head chef who had trained at Leiths School of Food and Wine and previously worked at Claridge’s hotel in London. He was murdered in Shrewsbury on 24 June 2025.
Where was Adam Rowson sentenced?
Adam Rowson was tried and sentenced at Stafford Crown Court. The sentencing judge was Judge Avik Mukherjee, who passed the life sentence on 6 May 2026.
Why did Adam Rowson use the victim’s bank card?
After killing Alexis De Naray, Adam Rowson used the victim’s bank card to buy alcohol and scratchcards. The judge described this behaviour as callous and it was cited as an aggravating factor at sentencing.
