Police have officially named a suspect in a two-decade-old murder case after a major DNA breakthrough finally provided answers. The body of Jennifer Kiely, 35, was discovered in a seafront shelter in Eastbourne, East Sussex, on 22 January 2005. She had been stabbed multiple times and her body set on fire, with a pushchair found on top of her.
The Forensic Puzzle and a Missed Opportunity
For years, the investigation into Ms Kiely's murder remained open but unsolved. Forensic teams had recovered DNA from a cigarette butt at the scene, which matched DNA found on the victim. However, at the time, this profile yielded no match on the national database.
The case took a pivotal turn due to advances in DNA technology. Detective Chief Inspector Simon Dunn explained that a breakthrough in 2018 allowed officers to trace and identify multiple individuals who shared similar parts of the crime scene DNA. The final piece of the puzzle came last year when DNA from a man in the north of England led police to officially name Keith Dowbekin as their suspect.
It was then discovered that Dowbekin, who died in 2014 aged 60, had a disturbing history. He had been associated with Eastbourne's homeless community, as was Ms Kiely. Crucially, he had been arrested over separate rape cases in Great Yarmouth in 2003 and 2004, but was released without charge. Under Norfolk Police's procedures at the time, his DNA was not taken because he was not charged.
A System Failure and Overwhelming Evidence
In a further twist, police revealed that Dowbekin had actually given a DNA sample as a witness to a separate murder in 2003. However, as he was not a suspect in that case, it was never added to the national database.
"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," said DCI Dunn.
Once Dowbekin was identified, police obtained his DNA profile from Norfolk Police in relation to the historic rape arrests. It provided a definitive match to the evidence from the Eastbourne murder scene. Sussex Police now state the forensic evidence is "overwhelming" and they are confident Dowbekin was the killer.
A Family's Long Wait for Answers
Jennifer Kiely's family have spoken of their relief at the resolution of the case, two decades after their loss. They described her as a "gentle, funny and creative soul who loved music and cared deeply for others."
In a statement, they said they were "grateful for the resolution of her case and for the hard work of those who never gave up." They added that while the identification 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."
The family also expressed a hope that her story would encourage greater compassion for those experiencing homelessness and help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health.
