£20,000 reward offered as Eastbourne murder investigation continues

Sussex Police have issued a fresh appeal 19 years after the body of Jennifer Kiely was discovered

Author: Cameron HallPublished 23rd Jan 2024

Crimestoppers are offering £20,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction as police continue to investigate a murder in Eastbourne 19 years ago.

The body of Jennifer Kiely was found in a seafront shelter on the lower promenade at Holywell in the early hours of 22 January 2005.

The 35-year-old was stabbed multiple times, and her body was set alight.

Detective Chief Inspector Simon Dunn, of the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team, says the force remains "desperate for answers."

“We know the seafront shelter was frequented by the homeless community and we are urging anyone with any information which may assist in our investigation to please come forward.”

"Someone out there knows something."

Sussex Police say they are yet to trace a man who was spotted walking on the middle of the road behind the Grand Hotel.

His accent and appearance was described as Eastern Europe, and he was 5'10-'11 and of slim to medium build.

He was also described as having light and short blond hair, and a round-ish face with a dominant cheek and jaw line.

He was said to be wearing a dark blue short jacket with a collar, and the jacket was zipped to just below his chin, whilst he was also wearing a pair of grey jeans and white trainers.

To report any information anonymously to Crimestoppers, call 0800 555 111 or visit https://crimestoppers-uk.org/.