Chilling video of killer lying about why her DNA was under victim's fingernails
A pensioner who attacked and killed her partner's new lover in what was called a jealous rage, will face the next 26 years behind bars.
Sara McKenzie bludgeoned Joy Boulton to death after discovering that her former partner Trevor Dibnah had moved into Ms Boulton's home in Ash, Surrey. Guildford Crown Court heard how McKenzie had previously been in a 13-year relationship with Mr Dibnah - and had tried to rekindle their relationship, despite him being engaged to Ms Boulton.
A chilling video taken by police shows murder-mystery fan McKenzie, 62, telling them a pack of lies in a bid to explain why her DNA would be found under her victim's fingernails. Prosecutors said McKenzie had gone to 59-year-old Ms Boulton's home "with the sole intention of killing her".
The court heard Mr Dibnah had told McKenzie he would not leave his fiance, and, unable to cope, McKenzie went to Ms Boulton's home and struck her multiple times "in a sustained and ferocious attack" which left her with catastrophic head injuries that proved to be fatal.
After murdering her love rival, McKenzie tried to conceal her violent crimes by disposing of the clothing she had worn and the weapon she had used. She had a bath in an attempt to remove any traces of blood - and even went to work as normal. She was later captured on police body-worn footage at the scene of the murder, showing no apparent concern for Ms Boulton.
Man in 30s dies after being stabbed in park sparking police probeA murder investigation was launched when Mr Dibnah found Ms Boulton dead at their home after returning from work on the evening of Thursday, May 11 this year. During the investigation, McKenzie's DNA was found underneath Ms Boulton's fingernails, after the 59-year-old had scratched her assailant's face in "a final act of bravery".
McKenzie however, a fan of murder mysteries, constructed an elaborate cover-up to explain why her DNA would be found underneath Ms Boulton's fingernails. She claimed she had been the victim of a robbery earlier that day, during which the female suspect had scratched her and grabbed a handful of her hair. McKenzie then alleged to police that the woman had been after her DNA - and that it was this mystery person who attacked Ms Boulton. But the jury saw through her lies, convicting her of murder - and also found her guilty of perverting the course of justice.
In a tribute, Ms Boulton's family said: "We are deeply devastated by this senseless act of violence which has changed our lives forever. Joy was a very caring person, who was always ready to help other people whenever she could despite having many health and mobility problems herself. She fought many health problems over the years but always battled on. She will be forever missed and always loved. May she rest in peace."
Detective chief inspector Kimball Edey, from the Surrey and Sussex Police Major Crime Team, said in a statement: "Firstly, I would like to offer my condolences to the family and friends of Joy Boulton whose loss cannot be underestimated. They have been left devastated by Joy's death.
"McKenzie's motive for killing Joy was simple - she wanted what Joy had. McKenzie has a previous history of jealous behaviour including, although it was never proved, burning down a shed containing Trevor's belongings after finding out he had got engaged to Joy. McKenzie went to Joy's that morning with the sole intention of killing her so that she could get Trevor back. The rage and brutality McKenzie used when she attacked Joy cannot be overstated. Sadly, Joy never stood a chance."