Life for Strood Killer Woman After Brutal Flat Murder
Woman Jailed for Stabbing Man to Death
A 43-year-old woman has been locked up for life after plunging a knife into a 61-year-old man at his Strood home. Nina Mercer, of Gun Lane, was convicted of murdering Alan Tomkins on July 23, 2024, at his flat in Newark Court, Gun Lane.
Mercer struck shortly after Mr Tomkins received a food delivery, stabbing him six times — one blade left lodged deep in his back. The fatal attack happened around 6pm, leaving the victim dead inside his own hallway.
Escape, Theft and Cover-Up
After the savage assault, Mercer fled and met acquaintance Lee Robinson, 45. Robinson returned with Mercer to the flat, where he stole the dead man’s wallet and bank cards. Mercer then drove Mr Tomkins’ car to Cuxton Leisure Park, where it’s believed she dumped her bloodied clothes.
Two days later, Mercer came back with another associate who peered through the kitchen window and questioned if Mr Tomkins was lying on the floor — Mercer dismissed the concern. The body was only found much later that evening after friends raised the alarm.
Justice Served After Police Crack Case
Police forced entry to the flat and found Mr Tomkins dead. Mercer was arrested at the scene. CCTV and DNA evidence tied her directly to the murder weapon. Robinson was also charged after using the victim’s bank cards fraudulently.
Robinson, from Frindsbury Road, pleaded guilty to theft and fraud and was jailed for two years and four months. However, he was cleared of assisting an offender.
“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 assistance for Mr Tomkins but instead attempted to cover her tracks,” said Detective Chief Inspector Emma Lawry.
“She denied guilt, was found guilty after trial, and sentenced. I hope this brings some closure to the victim’s family and friends after these tragic events.”
Mercer will serve a minimum of 17 years before parole. The local community is still reeling from the shocking crime, with police praised for their swift investigative work that brought the killers to justice.
