Man Admits Murder of Hotel Receptionist in Bournemouth
Stephen Cole, 32, of Bournemouth, pleaded guilty at Winchester Crown Court on Tuesday, 4 May 2021. He faces sentencing on Tuesday, 1 June 2021.
Tragic Death at Travelodge Hotel
Officers rushed to the Travelodge on Christchurch Road around 8am on 19 December 2020 after a woman was found dead. Just 20 minutes later, Cole turned up at Bournemouth police station and confessed, telling staff, “I have just killed someone.”
Victim Identified
The victim was 27-year-old Marta Elena Vento, a Spanish national working as a receptionist at the hotel.
Evidence and Investigation
- Cole arrived at the station carrying a bag with blood-stained clothes, a lanyard, and keys matching Marta’s items.
- He admitted causing Marta’s death during police questioning.
- Mental health professionals later detained him under the Mental Health Act.
The post-mortem on 10 December confirmed Marta died from multiple blunt force injuries.
Detective Chief Inspector Jez Noyce said: “This is an extremely sad and deeply shocking incident where a young woman lost her life in tragic circumstances. My thoughts and sympathies continue to remain with Marta Elena Vento’s family.”
