Woman Jailed for Murder After Brutal Stabbing of Man in Strood
Mercer Found Guilty of Fatal Knife Attack
A 43-year-old woman has been convicted of murder after stabbing a 61-year-old man to death in his Medway home last summer.
Nina Mercer, from Gun Lane, Strood, was found guilty at maidstone/" title="Maidstone" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Maidstone Crown Court of murdering Alan Tomkins. Mr Tomkins was stabbed multiple times at his Newark Court flat on 23 July 2024 and died at the scene.
The court heard that Mr Tomkins had let Mercer live with him and was financially supporting her. The attack happened shortly after he received a food delivery at around 6pm, when Mercer violently stabbed him before fleeing.
Attempt to Cover Up and Steal Victim’s Belongings
After the stabbing, Mercer met up with an associate, Lee Robinson, 45, of Strood. Robinson returned to the flat and ripped off Mr Tomkins’ wallet and bank card.
Mercer drove the victim’s car to Cuxton Leisure Park, where she is believed to have dumped her bloodstained clothes.
Two days later, Mercer came back to the flat with another person. When the associate suggested Mr Tomkins might still be lying in the hallway, Mercer dismissed the idea.
Friends became worried after Mr Tomkins missed work and an important meeting. Police forced entry and found him dead in the hallway with the murder weapon – a knife – still stuck in his back. He had six stab wounds.
Mercer was arrested at the scene as she walked up to the property.
Strong Evidence Seals Mercer’s Fate
CCTV footage captured Mercer’s movements around the time of the killing. Forensic tests found Mercer’s DNA on the knife used to inflict the fatal wounds.
Robinson, who was caught using the victim’s bank card in Brompton Lane the day after the murder, admitted theft and fraud but denied helping Mercer. He was cleared of aiding an offender.
Mercer pleaded not guilty but was convicted after a trial.
Sentencing Set for March
Both Mercer and Robinson will be sentenced on Tuesday 18 March.
Police Comment
Detective Chief Inspector Emma Lawry said: “The victim had allowed Nina Mercer to stay at his flat and is thought to have funded her lifestyle. She callously repaid him in a brutal assault with a knife that ended his life. Mercer did not seek medical help but tried to cover her tracks. She denied guilt but has now been convicted following a trial. I hope this brings some closure to the victim’s family and friends.”
