DNA Breakthrough Solves 20-Year-Old Eastbourne Murder

A brutal murder that occurred two decades ago in Eastbourne has been resolved following a significant DNA breakthrough. Jennifer Kiely, 35, was discovered deceased in a seafront shelter in January 2005, having suffered multiple stab wounds and burns. The investigation, initially hampered by insufficient evidence leading to the release of two suspects, has now identified Keith Dowbekin as the prime suspect.

Modern DNA analysis, including familial DNA tracing, was crucial in identifying Dowbekin. A DNA profile recovered from a cigarette butt at the crime scene, which also matched DNA found on Ms. Kiely, was eventually linked to Dowbekin. He had prior arrests for rape in 2003 and 2004, and had even provided a DNA sample as a witness to another murder, but these were not linked to the case at the time due to outdated database protocols.

Keith Dowbekin died in 2014 at the age of 60, meaning he cannot be prosecuted for the crime. Sussex Police have publicly named him due to overwhelming public interest and the severity of the offense. Jennifer Kiely's family expressed gratitude for the resolution, remembering her as a kind and vibrant soul and advocating for compassion towards those experiencing homelessness and mental health struggles.