Surrey woman found guilty of murdering love rival in a jealous rage
Last updated 1st Dec 2023
A woman who attacked and killed another woman in a jealous rage in Surrey has been found guilty of murder.
61 year old Sara McKenzie used a heavy object to inflict fatal injuries on 59 year old Joy Boulton at her home in Ash in May.
The court heard how 61 year old McKenzie had previously been in a long-term relationship with Joy’s fiancé and she had made efforts to rekindle their relationship.
But he said he would not leave Joy.
Unable to cope, Surrey Police say McKenzie went to Joy’s home address in Church View with the sole intention of killing her, striking her multiple times in a sustained and ferocious attack with a heavy object.
Officers say the victim was left with catastrophic head injuries.
During the attack Ms Boulton scratched her attacker's face which detectives say was critical in proving McKenzie was responsible for her death after her DNA was discovered under Joy’s fingernails.
Detectives say McKenzie realised that the police had a record of her DNA and constructed an elaborate cover-up to explain why her DNA would be found under Joy’s fingernails.
She claimed she had been the victim of a robbery earlier that day, during which the female suspect had scratched her and grabbed a handful of her hair. McKenzie told police that she thought the woman had been after her DNA and tried to suggest that the same woman had also attacked Joy.
After attacking Joy, McKenzie tried to conceal her crime, disposing of the clothing she had worn and the weapon used.
She had a bath to remove any trace of blood and cleaned it up afterwards.
Forensic scientists were able to locate traces of Joy’s blood in McKenzie’s bath using luminol, a substance that can identify a trace of blood that has been diluted 10,000 times.
Detective Chief Inspector Kimball Edey from the Surrey and Sussex Police Major Crime Team, who investigated the case, said:
“Firstly, I would like to offer my condolences to the family and friends of Joy Boulton whose loss cannot be underestimated. They have been left devastated by Joy’s death.
“McKenzie’s motive for killing Joy was simple – she wanted what Joy had. McKenzie has a previous history of jealous behaviour including, although it was never proved, burning down a shed containing Trevor’s belongings after finding out he had got engaged to Joy.
“McKenzie went to Joy’s that morning with the sole intention of killing her so that she could get Trevor back. The rage and brutality McKenzie used when she attacked Joy cannot be overstated –sadly, Joy never stood a chance.
“I would like to thank my team who worked tirelessly on this investigation to ensure that McKenzie was found guilty today.
"This level of violence simply cannot be condoned in our local communities and we will always do everything we can to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.”
Paying tribute to Joy, her family said:
“We are deeply devastated by this senseless act of violence which has changed our lives forever.
“Joy was a very caring person, who was always ready to help other people whenever she could despite having many health and mobility problems herself. She fought many health problems over the years but always battled on.
They added: “She will be forever missed and always loved. May you rest in peace.”
Sara McKenzie who was also found guilty of perverting the course of justice will be sentenced at Guildford Crown Court on Monday (4 December).