Murder charge as tributes paid to West Bromwich victim Damian Howl
A man has been charged with murder as tributes are paid to a West Bromwich father found with fatal head injuries.
Damian Howl was discovered injured in an alleyway off Heath Lane, near Hill Top, at around 5.15am on Wednesday.
The 42-year-old victim was rushed to hospital in a critical condition and died on the same day.
A post-mortem examination revealed Mr Howl suffered a head injury consistent with being assaulted, say West Midlands Police.
Marcus Parchment was arrested shortly after Mr Howl was found.
Detectives say Mr Howl was discovered in the alleyway behind Parchment's home in Heath Lane.
Parchment, also 42, is due to appear at Walsall Magistrates' Court this morning charged with murder.
A statement issued on behalf of Mr Howl’s family described him as having "a heart of gold”.
It reads: "Damien was a much-loved son, father, brother, uncle and boyfriend.
"He had a heart of gold and would help anyone he could.
"Damo, as we all knew him, was a loving and funny man who enjoyed being kept busy.
“There are no word to express how devastated we all are at his loss.
"As a family we would appreciate privacy at this difficult time to process and grieve."
