Police launch fresh appeal into Eastbourne woman's murder in 2005
They're hoping a TV reconstruction will help jog people's memories
Police have used a television programme to launch a fresh appeal into the unsolved murder of a woman in Eastbourne nearly 20 years ago.
Jennifer Kiely, who was 35, was found dead in a seafront shelter on the lower promenade at Holywell in the early hours of January 22nd, 2005.
Her body had been set on fire and had multiple stab wounds, while the pushchair she habitually had with her was on top of her body.
The Sussex and Surrey Major Crime Team (MCT), has teamed up with the BBC's Crimewatch Live to show a reconstruction of Jennifer's last known movements.
Detectives are now urging the public to watch the show and come forward with any information which could assist in the investigation.
Detective Inspector Simon Dunn, of MCT, said:
"Jennifer was well known in Eastbourne among charities and had many friends, and she spent the last day of her life with friends at an address in Upperton Gardens. That night she had a bath and left at about midnight, and was last seen at about 1am walking west along the seafront in the direction of Holywell. Her body was found by council workers at 5am.
"One person we have yet to trace and eliminate from the investigation is a man seen that night walking along the middle of the road at the rear of the Grand Hotel.
"He was described as Eastern European by his accent and appearance. He was about 5’10-11", of slim to medium build. His hair was a light blond colour, short but in no particular style. His face was roundish and he had dominant cheek and jaw lines and his nose was very straight.
"He was wearing a dark blue short jacket which had a collar and it was zipped right up to beneath his chin. He had also wore a pair of grey jeans and white trainers.
"We are unable to disclose further information about the current line of forensic enquiry at this time, but if anyone has any information that was not shared with us during the original investigation or since, no matter how minor you may think it may be, please report it online or call 101 at any time, quoting Operation Kittiwake.
"While this case remains unsolved, we continue to explore all lines of enquiry in our efforts to seek justice for Jennifer and her family.
“We are confident someone, somewhere, knows what happened to her that day and we are pleading with anyone with any information to please come forward.”
In 2009, the case was assessed and deferred for further assessment as there had been no new intelligence or development.
Since 2011 it has been a live case while a forensic line of enquiry is pursued; Sussex Police will always review cold cases where new lines of enquiry such as this come to light.
Jennifer's family continue to have the support of Family Liaison Officers from Sussex Police, and her mother, Margaret, who lives in Ireland, has echoed Det Insp Dunn’s appeal.
She said: "I think of her every day. But on her anniversary I can’t stop, I can’t switch off. Somebody, somewhere, knows who is responsible. Just please come forward and let us know.”
Those with information can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or report it online.