Murder of mum stabbed and set alight in Sussex solved after 20 years
Jennifer Kiely's body was found in a seafront shelter in January 2005
Police have concluded a twenty year long investigation into the death of Sussex mum whose body was found after being stabbed and set on fire.
Jennifer Kiely was discovered in a seafront shelter in Eastbourne in the early hours of the 22nd of January 2005, after reports of a fire there.
At the time, two people were arrested on suspicion of the 35-year-old's death, but released due to insufficient evidence.
Now, forensic advances have linked DNA from a cigarette butt found on the scene to 60-year-old Keith Dowbekin - who died in 2014.
DNA sample "final piece" of puzzle
Detective Chief Inspector Simon Dunn, of the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team, explained:
“Over the past few years we have traced and identified several people who shared similar component parts of the DNA found at the crime scene, all of whom volunteered their DNA for forensic analysis.
"A sample obtained from a man in the north of England in summer of 2024 proved to be the final piece of the puzzle which meant we could formally nominate a suspect.
“He has been identified as Keith Dowbekin – alias Keith Black and Keith Broadbent – who was originally from the North West of England and died in 2014, aged 60.
"Extensive background checks confirmed he was known to stay in Eastbourne and associated with members of the homeless community like Jennifer, which strengthened our hypothesis he was responsible for her murder.
"If he had been alive today, we would have sought authority from the Crown Prosecution Service to prosecute him for Jennifer’s murder.”
DCI "confident" suspected would be "treated differently" today
In the week after her death, Dowbekin was stopped at the Port of Dover as he was sleeping rough, but released due to having no financial links to Eastbourne, no previous sexual offence convictions and not being recorded on the Sussex Police crime data base at the time.
This was despite him being arrested in connection with two rapes in Norfolk in 2003 and 2004.
DCI Dunn said that “in hindsight… he may have been treated differently”, if “further intelligence checks were completed in 2005” – but added “due to current robust investigative practises I am confident all relevant intelligence checks would now be completed on persons in similar circumstances.”
The decision to name Dowbekin has been described as “unusual”, but one that has been backed by the police’s Ethics Committee.
DCI Dunn said: "Jennifer’s family and the community deserve to know who we suspect killed her that day, and we have a public duty to support them and the wider community who have also been impacted by this horrific crime.
“We have engaged with Jennifer’s family throughout the investigation and have informed them of this latest update.
"We are not seeking anyone else in connection with the incident, and I hope they can take some solace from the conclusion of this investigation.
“I’d like to thank everyone who has come forward with any information, no matter how small over the past 20 years.
“Particular thanks go to Jennifer’s family, who have shown great strength and trust in us during what can only be described as two decades of uncertainty – until now.
“Finally, I’d like to commend the tireless work of my colleagues, some of whom have since retired, for their determination to see this case through.
"This case shows that we will never give up on seeking justice for victims of serious violence or sexual assaults, no matter how historic the offences are and will always explore any new lines of enquiry.”
Family issue tribute
Since, Jennifer’s family have issued a tribute to their “gentle, funny and creative” mum:
“Our mum was more than her struggles. She…loved music and cared deeply for others, even when life was hard. She was a mum, a daughter, sister, niece and a friend. Her life mattered.
“After 20 years, my family and I are grateful for the resolution of her case and for the hard work of those who never gave up.
“While this brings a sense of closure, it does not erase the loss of a kind, loving, and vibrant woman who meant so much to those who knew her, especially her children.
“I hope her story encourages compassion for those experiencing homelessness and the stigma surrounding mental health.
“These are issues that effect countless individuals and families, often in silence.
“I hope her memory inspires others to look beyond stereotypes and extend compassion to those who are struggling.”