Bailey Heywood, aged 23, has been convicted of murder following the fatal stabbing of 45-year-old Dale Bond in Bicester in March 2024. The conviction comes after a thorough investigation by Thames Valley Police’s Major Crime Unit, and the guilty verdict was delivered today (13/09) at Oxford Crown Court.
The incident occurred on 13 March 2024 when Thames Valley Police were called to Mullein Road, Bicester, at around 12:20 PM, following a report from a member of the public who believed a man had been seriously injured and provided details of the suspect. Officers arrived at the scene and found Dale Bond in his lounge, suffering from stab wounds. Despite emergency treatment from attending officers, paramedics from South Central Ambulance, and the Air Ambulance, Bond was tragically pronounced dead at the scene.
Shortly after the discovery, officers arrested Bailey Heywood at a nearby address in Bicester. Heywood, who was found with blood-stained clothing, was taken into custody and later charged with murder on 15 March.
A Home Office post-mortem examination confirmed that Bond’s death was caused by a fatal stab wound to the chest.
During the trial, Heywood claimed she acted in self-defense. However, the jury rejected her account, finding no evidence to support her claims. Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Will Crowther, commented on the case:
“My thoughts firstly go out to the family and friends of Mr Bond, who have lost a much-loved son, father, brother, uncle, and friend. Dale’s life was taken at the hands of Heywood. The jury completely rejected Heywood’s account that she was acting in self-defence, and there is absolutely no evidence to suggest that Mr Bond attacked her.
DCI Crowther noted that Heywood had been in a relationship with Bond and that she subjected him to a “vicious attack” when he least expected it. One of the blows inflicted an un-survivable wound to his chest, leading to his death. Heywood was arrested shortly after leaving Bond for dead.
Heywood will be sentenced on Monday, 16 September, at Oxford Crown Court.
DCI Crowther added: “I would like to pay tribute to the family of Mr Bond, who have been supportive throughout our investigation, and have acted with dignity during the court process. I hope that the conviction of Heywood will help them to move forward.”
The motive behind the murder remains unclear, as Heywood has not provided any further explanation for her actions.
