British authorities have launched a murder investigation following the death of Ian Watkins, the disgraced former lead singer of the rock band Lostprophets. Watkins, who had been serving a 29-year sentence for heinous child sex offenses, was reportedly stabbed to death at a prison in northern England.
Emergency services were called to HMP Wakefield in West Yorkshire on Saturday, October 11, 2025, after Watkins, 48, was attacked with a knife. He was pronounced dead at the scene. West Yorkshire Police confirmed the arrests of two men, aged 25 and 43, as the murder inquiry continues.
Watkins’ extensive criminal history includes pleading guilty in 2013 to 13 charges. These charges encompassed attempting to rape an infant, sexually touching a one-year-old, encouraging a fan to abuse her own child, and creating child pornography. His crimes deeply shocked the public and the music industry.
During his sentencing, Judge John Royce described Watkins as a highly manipulative and dangerous sexual predator who exploited his fame to satisfy an “insatiable lust.” Judge Royce, speaking at Cardiff Crown Court, noted the unprecedented nature of the case, stating, “This case, however, breaks new ground.”
Prior to his downfall, Ian Watkins was the frontman for Lostprophets, a Welsh rock band that achieved mainstream success, notably topping the U.K. charts in 2006 with their third album, “Liberation Transmission.” The band announced its disbandment shortly after Watkins’ arrest, a decision that cemented the dark end to their musical journey.