Suspect connected to long-standing unsolved murder

Authorities have named a man suspected of killing a homeless woman over two decades ago. Jennifer Kiely, 35, was fatally stabbed 16 times and set on fire in a seafront shelter in Eastbourne, East Sussex, during the early hours of 22 January 2005.

Sussex Police confirmed that recent DNA advancements have pointed to Keith Dowbekin as the main suspect. Investigators stated they would have pursued charges if Dowbekin, who passed away in 2014 at the age of 60, were still alive.

Kiely's family remembered her as a "gentle, funny and creative soul," noting that while the case closure provides some resolution, it "cannot undo the loss of a kind, loving, and vibrant woman." Her children emphasized, "Our mother was more than her struggles. She was a mum, a daughter, a sister, a niece, and a friend. Her life mattered. We hope her story inspires compassion for people facing homelessness and the stigma around mental health."

Following a mental health breakdown, Ms. Kiely had grown apart from her family and had been living in various hostels and shelters across southern England. She often kept her belongings in a pushchair, according to police reports.

About Keith Dowbekin

Keith Dowbekin, also known as Keith Black or Broadbent, lived in Eastbourne and was connected to the local homeless community. Originally from the North West, a man under the name Keith Black was stopped at Dover Port a week after Kiely's body was discovered. At that time, he was sleeping rough and released because he had no criminal record with Sussex Police and was not considered a suspect.

Dowbekin had previously been arrested in connection with two separate rape cases in 2003 and 2004 in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk. Police believe the fatal attack on Ms. Kiely may have been sexually motivated, though the rape-related links were only officially connected to Dowbekin in 2024. DNA from a 2003 Norfolk murder case, in which Dowbekin was a witness, matched evidence from the Eastbourne scene.

A cigarette butt found at the shelter helped link Dowbekin to Kiely's murder. Two individuals arrested in 2005 were later released due to insufficient evidence. Sussex Police initially closed the investigation in 2007 but reopened it in 2011, and by 2017 detectives were following new DNA leads. Items such as Ms. Kiely's body, her blood, and discarded cigarette butts were tested and eventually tied to Dowbekin. A 20,000 reward was offered in January 2024 for information to assist the investigation.

Detective Chief Inspector Simon Dunn stated, "I am extremely confident that Keith Dowbekin was responsible for Jennifer's murder. Meeting with the family was emotional; they have had to endure years without justice for their loved one."

Author: Maya Henderson