A murder manhunt is intensifying for the suspect who shot and killed a woman outside the Three Horseshoes pub in Knockholt, Kent, on Valentine’s Night (February 14, 2025). Police have confirmed that the victim was shot with a 9mm semi-automatic handgun, and new forensic evidence suggests the shooter wore gloves to prevent gunpowder residue from transferring to his hands.
Key Evidence Recovered from Suspect’s Vehicle
Forensic teams examining a Seat vehicle linked to the suspect recovered crucial evidence, including:
- Three bullet casings, with two spent and one unused in the chamber.
- Two AU Vodka pre-mixed drink cans, positioned in the car’s front cup holder.
- A Louis Vuitton clutch bag, found in the front of the vehicle.
- A child’s top, discovered in the back seat.
- A pair of gloves, suspected to have been worn by the gunman to avoid gunpowder residue transfer.
Ballistics experts are now analyzing both the firearm and gloves to determine if any traces of gunpowder or DNA remain.
Suspect Remains on the Run
The suspect, believed to be the victim’s former partner, fled the scene on foot after allegedly firing two shots from inside the vehicle before stepping out and delivering a final shot as the victim lay on the ground.
Despite desperate life-saving attempts by bystanders—including a pub customer who performed CPR—the victim could not be saved.
Intensified Manhunt and Village Lockdown
- Armed police placed the village on lockdown Friday night, conducting door-to-door searches.
- The National Police Air Service (NPAS) helicopter was deployed to track the suspect, but he remains at large.
- Forensic teams continue to examine the crime scene and vehicle for further clues.
Police Appeal for Public Assistance
A Kent Police spokesperson said:
“We are urgently searching for the suspect and following multiple leads. The discovery of key evidence in the vehicle is helping our investigation, but we are calling on the public for any further information that may assist us in locating him.
? Anyone with information should call Kent Police on 101, quoting the incident details.
