Sussex Police have finally identified the killer behind the brutal 2005 murder of Jennifer Kiely in Eastbourne — thanks to a breakthrough in DNA technology. The catch? The suspect died back in 2014.
Victim Found Stabbed and Burned on Holywell Seafront
Jennifer, 35, was found with multiple stab wounds inside a seafront shelter at Holywell in January 2005. Horrifically, her body had also been set on fire.
Police launched extensive inquiries at the time, arresting two suspects. But both were released due to lack of evidence.
Forensics and Familial DNA Finally Pinpoint the Killer
Over the years, detectives relentlessly pursued new leads, analysing discarded cigarette butts and other forensic clues from the scene.
In 2018, a familial DNA technique led investigators straight to the culprit: Keith Dowbekin, also known as Keith Black or Keith Broadbent, originally from North West England.
Detective Confirms Killer’s Link to Eastbourne’s Homeless Community
“Extensive background checks confirmed he was known to stay in Eastbourne and associated with members of the homeless community like Jennifer,” said Detective Chief Inspector Simon Dunn of the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team.
“If he had been alive today, we would have sought authority from the Crown Prosecution Service to prosecute him for Jennifer’s murder.”
