GUILTY OF MURDER Man found guilty of raping and murdering estranged wife after staging scene to look like suicide

A man has been found guilty of raping and murdering his estranged wife before attempting to make her death appear to be a suicide.

Michael Thompson, 56, was convicted of the rape and murder of Kimberley Thompson, 43, following a six-week trial at Nottingham Crown Court.

The jury heard that Thompson subjected Kimberley, known as Kim, to years of domestic abuse, including controlling and coercive behaviour and physical violence, during their 19-year marriage.

Although the couple had separated two years before her death, they continued living at the same address in Pinewood Road, Northampton, while their divorce proceedings were nearing completion. The court heard they occupied separate bedrooms.

Killed in her bedroom

Prosecutors said that sometime between midnight and 3.30am on Saturday, 9 August 2025, Thompson entered Kim’s bedroom, where he raped and suffocated her.

After killing her, he staged the bedroom to make it appear she had taken her own life and posted messages on her social media accounts in an apparent attempt to support the false narrative.

At around 5.30am, Thompson called the East Midlands Ambulance Service, telling emergency responders that Kim had died by suicide.

Family’s concerns led to murder investigation

The court heard Thompson repeated the suicide account to paramedics and police officers who attended the property.

However, Kim’s family and friends immediately expressed disbelief, telling investigators she had been making plans for the future and had shown no indication that she intended to take her own life.

They also provided police with details of the history of domestic abuse she had suffered during the marriage.

Following further enquiries, a formal murder investigation was launched on 12 August, and Thompson was arrested on suspicion of Kim’s death.

Guilty verdict

At the conclusion of the six-week trial, the jury found Thompson guilty of both rape and murder.

He is due to be sentenced at a later date.

Paying tribute to Kim throughout the investigation, her family described her as a much-loved mother, daughter and friend whose life had been tragically cut short.

Specialist officers continue to support her family following the conclusion of the trial.