DNA from a single piece of evidence has led to a breakthrough, guiding police to a suspected murderer 20 years after a woman was killed in a seafront shelter.
Jennifer Kiely, 35, was found dead with multiple stab wounds in Eastbourne by the Sussex fire service in the early hours of January 22, 2005.
She had an injury to the back of her head and her body had been set on fire.
It was believed that the attack was sexually motivated, and although two suspects were arrested in 2005, no one was charged with her murder.
DNA from a cigarette butt recovered at the scene produced a full male profile that matched samples found on her body and in her blood.
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According to police, DNA was recovered from intimate areas of Jennifer’s body, which supported their conclusion that the attack was sexually motivated.
But, at the time, the profile did not appear on the national database.
Two decades later, Sussex Police named Keith Dowbekin as the man responsible for her death, citing ‘overwhelming’ DNA evidence.
(Picture: Sussex Police/PA Wire)
Dowbekin, also known as Keith Black and Keith Broadbent, died in 2014, aged 60.
He was known in Eastbourne and associated with members of the homeless community, like Jennifer, the police force said.
Before Jennifer’s murder, Dowbekin was arrested by Norfolk Police in connection with two separate rape offences in Great Yarmouth in 2003 and 2004.
On January 29, 2005, just seven days after Jennifer’s murder, he was stopped by the Port of Dover for a standard investigative check relating to her killing.
The officers carrying out the check did not see any note of his previous arrests.
DCI Simon Dunn said: ‘In 2003 and 2004, there was no provision to take DNA from people who were arrested, DNA was only taken from those who were charged with an offence, that is different now.
‘In addition to that, we have networks now of definitely cross-border checking in terms of intelligence systems.’
The police said that Dowbekin had actually given a DNA sample as a witness to a separate murder, but, because he was not a suspect, it was not added to the database.
In 2018, Sussex Police used a familial DNA strategy to uncover Dowbekin after obtaining samples from members of his family.
This strategy uses the ‘predictable way’ DNA is transferred from parents to children, but this was not available in 2005.
DCI Dunn said their original search came back with thousands of names that were then narrowed down until relatives of Dowbekin were found.
The police only learned of his previous arrests for rape when they formally decided he was a suspect in 2024.
Jennifer’s family have issued a statement saying: ‘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.
‘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 affect 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.’
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