Jennifer Kiely, 35, was found dead by emergency services in 2005
Police who have been investigating the killing of a woman from South London for 20 years have named a suspect using DNA from a cigarette butt. Jennifer Kiely, 35, was found dead by the Sussex fire service at a seafront shelter in the early hours of January 22, 2005.
The mum from South London had been stabbed multiple times, had an injury to the back of her head and her body had been set on fire. The attack was thought to be sexually motivated, and while two suspects were arrested in 2005, no one was charged with Ms Kiely’s murder.
DNA was recovered from the scene, including from a cigarette butt, that contained a full profile of a man whose profile also matched DNA found on Ms Kiely’s body and in her blood, but he did not appear on the national database. Two decades later, Sussex Police named Keith Dowbekin, who died in 2014 aged 60, as the man responsible for her death, citing “overwhelming” DNA evidence.
Dowbekin, also known as Keith Black and Keith Broadbent, was known in Eastbourne and associated with members of the homeless community like Ms Kiely, the force said. Prior to Ms Kiely’s murder, Dowbekin had been arrested by Norfolk Police in connection with two separate rape offences in Great Yarmouth in 2003 and 2004.
On January 29, 2005, Dowbekin was stopped at the Port of Dover for a standard investigative check relating to Ms Kiely’s murder; those officers did not see any note of his previous arrests. While he was never charged with those offences, Sussex Police are now “confident” that would not happen now.
Detective Chief Inspector 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 force also said that Dowbekin had actually given a DNA sample as a witness to a separate murder, but it was not added to the database as he was not a suspect. In 2018, using a familial DNA strategy, which uses the “predictable way” that DNA is transferred from parents to children, not available in 2005, Sussex Police were able to uncover Dowbekin after obtaining DNA from members of his family.
Their original search threw up thousands of names that were then narrowed down until relatives of Dowbekin were found, DCI Dunn said. It was only after formally deciding that Dowbekin was a suspect in 2024 that the force learned of his previous arrests for rape.
His DNA was also found in intimate parts of Ms Kiely’s body, which they say confirmed that the attack was sexually motivated.
Jennifer’s family have issued a tribute 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.
“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 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.”
