Detectives Conclude 2005 Eastbourne Murder Investigation

An investigation into the brutal murder of a woman in Eastbourne two decades ago has concluded following a DNA breakthrough.

Jennifer Kiely’s body was discovered after a fire was reported in a seafront shelter at Holywell in the early hours of 22 January 2005.

The 35-year-old had sustained multiple stab wounds and an injury to the back of her head, and her body was set on fire.

An investigation into the brutal murder of a woman in Eastbourne two decades ago has concluded following a DNA breakthrough.

Jennifer Kiely’s body was discovered after a fire was reported in a seafront shelter at Holywell in the early hours of 22 January 2005.

The 35-year-old had sustained multiple stab wounds and an injury to the back of her head, and her body was set on fire.

The pushchair she habitually had with her was found on top of her body, and senior investigators believe the attack was sexually motivated.

A full-scale murder enquiry was launched and two suspects were arrested in the same year, but later released without charge due to insufficient evidence.

Over the years, extensive enquiries were conducted in a bid to identify the person responsible, and to seek closure for Jennifer’s grieving family.

DNA

As part of these enquiries, DNA recovered from Jennifer’s body, her blood, and items including discarded cigarette butts found at the scene, were tested.

One cigarette butt was found to contain a full profile of a man, and although the DNA was not recorded on the national DNA database, component DNA parts from the male profile matched those found on Jennifer’s body and in other areas within the beach shelter.

With the advancement in technology, in 2018 a familial DNA strategy was launched using the unidentified profile.

This enabled the DNA profiles of close relatives – parents, children, and siblings – of the unknown male, to be obtained.

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.”

THE SUSPECT

Prior to Jennifer’s murder, Dowbekin had been arrested by Norfolk Police in connection with two separate rape offences in Great Yarmouth in 2003 and 2004.

He was released without charge in both cases and his DNA was not taken, in line with Norfolk Police’s procedures at the time.

Also prior to Jennifer’s murder, his DNA was taken as a witness by Norfolk Police as part of a murder investigation in 2003, for elimination purposes.

It was not uploaded to the national database at that time as he was not a suspect.

In the days following Jennifer’s murder, all local ports were notified and put on alert – a standard investigative action – with a view to stop-checking anyone seen in suspicious circumstances.

On 29 January 2005, a man who referred to himself as Keith Black was stopped at the Port of Dover by a Port of Dover Police officer.

Police database checks confirmed this was an alias used by Dowbekin. He was stopped as he was sleeping rough.

He stated he had recently been in Eastbourne and London, and provided a false address in Eastbourne.

Due to having no financial links to Eastbourne, no previous convictions for sexual offences and no trace on the Sussex Police crime database at the time he was not considered a suspect, nor his DNA requested.

In addition, the investigative focus at the time was on the two suspects who had already been identified; there was nothing further to link Dowbekin to the murder.

DCI Dunn said:

“It was only in 2024, after we formally nominated Dowbekin as our suspect, that we discovered he had been arrested in Norfolk in 2003 and 2004.

"Therefore, we contacted the force and were able to confirm that the DNA they still had on their system matched that of the DNA we obtained from the murder scene.

"This proved to be a significant milestone in our investigation.

“In hindsight, if further intelligence checks were completed in 2005 and the rape allegations were identified then Dowbekin may have been treated differently.

"Due to current robust investigative practises I am confident all relevant intelligence checks would now be completed on persons in similar circumstances.”

IDENTIFICATION

Several factors have been taken into consideration as part of the decision to publicly identify Dowbekin, including the overwhelming public interest, the severity of the crime, the impact on the victim’s family and wider community, and the potential to support identification of further offences.

DCI Dunn said:

“This is an unusual decision but one that has been supported by our Ethics Committee made up of police officers, staff, and independent members of the community.

"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.”

TRIBUTE

Jennifer’s family issued the following tribute:

“Our mum was more than her struggles.

"She was a gentle, funny and creative soul, who 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.”