Sussex Police Solve 2005 Jennifer Kiely Murder—But Killer’s Dead
Sussex Police have cracked the chilling 2005 murder of Jennifer Kiely in Eastbourne. Thanks to cutting-edge DNA tech, they’ve named the killer. The twist? He died nearly a decade ago, in 2014.
Victim Found Stabbed and Set Ablaze on Holywell Seafront
Jennifer, 35, was discovered in a terrifying state inside a seafront shelter at Holywell in January 2005. She suffered multiple stab wounds and her body had been deliberately set on fire.
Police launched a major investigation back then, arresting two suspects. But both were released for lack of evidence.
Breakthrough: Familial DNA Pins Down Killer
Detectives never gave up. They kept chasing new leads, gathering forensic clues like discarded cigarette butts from the scene.
In 2018, a breakthrough came via familial DNA testing. The killer was identified as Keith Dowbekin, aka Keith Black or Keith Broadbent, from North West England.
Detective Confirms Killer’s Eastbourne Ties
“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.”
