Police have finally identified the man they believe murdered a mother on the Eastbourne seafront more than two decades ago, in a breakthrough powered by modern DNA techniques.
DNA from a cigarette butt provides crucial breakthrough
Jennifer Kiely, 35, was found dead by firefighters in a seafront shelter in the early hours of 22 January 2005. The scene was one of horrific violence. Ms Kiely had been stabbed multiple times, suffered an injury to the back of her head, and her body had been set alight. Investigators believed the attack was sexually motivated.
Despite DNA evidence recovered from the scene—including a full profile from a cigarette butt that also matched DNA found on Ms Kiely's body and in her blood—the suspect remained elusive for years. The profile did not match anyone on the national DNA database at the time.
The long road to identifying Keith Dowbekin
Now, Sussex Police have named Keith Dowbekin, who also used the aliases Keith Black and Keith Broadbent, as the man responsible for her death. They cite 'overwhelming' DNA evidence. Dowbekin died in 2014 at the age of 60.
The investigation revealed missed opportunities. Dowbekin was known in Eastbourne and moved in similar circles to Ms Kiely, who was associated with the homeless community. Crucially, he had been arrested by Norfolk Police in connection with two separate rape offences in Great Yarmouth in 2003 and 2004.
On 29 January 2005, just a week after the murder, he was stopped at the Port of Dover. However, officers conducting the check were unaware of his previous arrests. At that time, DNA was only taken from those charged with an offence, not merely arrested, so his profile was not added to the database.
Detective Chief Inspector Simon Dunn explained the systemic changes since then: "In addition to that, we have networks now of definite cross-border checking in terms of intelligence systems."
Familial DNA strategy cracks the case
The key turning point came with advances in DNA technology. A familial DNA strategy, which traces the 'predictable way' DNA is passed from parents to children, was not available in 2005.
By 2018, Sussex Police employed this method. They obtained DNA from members of Dowbekin's family, having narrowed down a list of thousands of potential matches. It was only after formally making him a suspect in 2024 that the force learned of his prior rape arrests. His DNA was also found in intimate parts of Ms Kiely’s body, confirming the sexual motive of the attack.
Ms Kiely’s family released a moving tribute, stating: "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."
They added: "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... I hope her story encourages compassion for those experiencing homelessness and the stigma surrounding mental health."
