Woman Guilty of Brutal Murder After Bleach Cover-Up Fails
Jennifer Lloyd, 56, has admitted murdering 62-year-old Nigel Chapman at his home in Upfield Close, Horley on November 9, 2020. The court heard she stabbed him twice in the heart—claiming self-defence after he blocked her exit and made her feel scared.
‘I Was Only Trying to Scare Him’
Lloyd told the court she grabbed a knife to frighten Chapman. But when he tried to wrestle the blade away, she “got mad” and stabbed him. After the attack, she used bleach to mop the kitchen and bathroom floors, attempting to wipe away the evidence before leaving him for dead.
Blood and Bleach: Body Discovered by Carer
Chapman’s body was found the next morning by his carer, lying face down and not breathing. The scene was soaked in blood and bleach. Surrey and Sussex Police’s Major Crime Team launched a full investigation.
Witnesses saw Lloyd leaving the house carrying several carrier bags. Police searched nearby Riverside Garden Park and found a black bin liner dumped by the river. It contained plastic bottles of bleach, a white sheet, and Chapman’s blue check shirt.
Police Praise Tireless Investigation
Detective Inspector Chris Friday said: “Our thoughts remain with Nigel Chapman’s family and friends. We hope Lloyd being behind bars helps them find some closure. She had been friends with Mr Chapman for years. On the night of the murder, she claimed she felt scared and stabbed him out of anger. Then she attempted a bleach cover-up, which ultimately failed.”
“Lloyd was seen leaving the scene with a bag containing evidence she tried to dispose of nearby. Thanks to witness statements and CCTV, we pieced together the brutal truth and brought her to justice.”
