41-year-old Russell Baxter was found with multiple injuries at a property last week

Detectives investigating the murder of a 41-year-old man who died last week have charged a man with grievous bodily harm with intent and perverting the course of justice.

Russell Baxter was found with multiple injuries in a property in Wingfield Road, Athersley, Barnsley, last Thursday (September 3, 2026) and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Russell Baxter was found with multiple injuries in a property in Wingfield Road, Athersley, Barnsley, last Thursday (September 3, 2026) and was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
Philip Benson, aged 57, of Wingfield Road, Athersley, has now been charged in connection with Russell’s death, and appeared at Sheffield Magistrates' Court on September 11, 2026 — Russell Baxter was found with multiple injuries in a property in Wingfield Road, Athersley, Barnsley, last Thursday (September 3, 2026) and was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. Philip Benson, aged 57, of Wingfield Road, Athersley, has now been charged in connection with Russell’s death, and appeared at Sheffield Magistrates' Court on September 11, 2026 | 3rd party

placeholder image — Russell Baxter was found with multiple injuries in a property in Wingfield Road, Athersley, Barnsley, last Thursday (September 3, 2026) and was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. Philip Benson, aged 57, of Wingfield Road, Athersley, has now been charged in connection with Russell’s death, and appeared at Sheffield Magistrates' Court on September 11, 2026 | 3rd party

Philip Benson, 57, of Wingfield Road, Athersley, has now been charged in connection with Russell’s death.

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Mr Benson appeared at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court today (Friday, September 11, 2026) accused of perverting the course of justice and Section 18, grievous bodily harm with intent.

He has been remanded in custody ahead of his next appearance before Sheffield Crown Court on October 9, 2026.

Russell Baxter, 41, was found dead at an address on Wingfield Road, Athersley South, Barnsley, on September 3. A murder investigation is underway. | SYP

A South Yorkshire Police spokesperson said a person arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with Russell’s death “remains under investigation in relation to this alleged offence, however is remanded in custody on other charges”.

Anyone with information which could aid their investigation is urged to get in touch with them via their Major Incident Public Portal.

You can also report information to them by calling the non-emergency number 101.

Alternatively, you can also pass information anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers via their UK Contact Centre on freephone 0800 555 111 or complete a simple and secure anonymous online form on the Crimestoppers website.