Home / Crime and Justice / Sister Finds Horrific Scene, Cousin Accused
Sister Finds Horrific Scene, Cousin Accused
5 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Sister discovered her sibling dead from suspected axe wounds at her home.
- The victim's cousin, Donald Excell, is accused of the murder.
- The victim suffered five blows, one penetrating her heart deeply.
A woman recounted to Lewes Crown Court the horrifying moment she discovered her sister, 58-year-old Rita Lambourne, dead at her Bexhill home. The victim allegedly sustained fatal axe wounds inflicted by her cousin, Donald Excell, 49, who has pleaded not guilty to murder and possessing a bladed article. The trial continues in Hove.
The court was informed that Ms Lambourne died from five blows in her living room, with one impact creating a significant wound to her heart. Her daughter had prompted the discovery after receiving worried messages, asking her aunt to check on her mother. This aunt then found her sister and made a desperate call for an ambulance.
Testimony revealed the victim had defensive injuries, and one blow was so forceful it pierced skin, fat, muscle, ribs, and entered her heart. Donald Excell remained silent and offered no alibi when questioned by police. Ms Lambourne is remembered by her family and friends as a beloved individual.
