Sister Accused of Murdering Filmmaker in Camden Flat, Stealing Her Rolex Watch
In a shocking case unfolding at the Old Bailey, Nancy Pexton, 69, stands accused of murdering her older sister, Jennifer Abbott, and stealing her valuable gold diamond-encrusted Rolex watch. The alleged crime occurred in Abbott's Camden flat in north London on June 10 last year, with Abbott's body discovered three days later by a concerned neighbour.
Discovery of the Body and Distressing Scene
Jennifer Abbott, a 69-year-old filmmaker, was found dead in her Camden residence on June 13 after a neighbour, alarmed by the constant barking of her corgi dog named Prince, forced entry into the flat. The neighbour immediately called emergency services upon finding Abbott's decomposing and partly naked body on the living room floor. The scene was described as harrowing, with tape across Abbott's mouth and a large slash-type wound evident across her neck.
Prince, the corgi, was discovered locked in the bathroom, distressed but physically unharmed. A subsequent autopsy revealed that Abbott had sustained multiple stab and slash wounds, along with a single defensive wound to her right hand, indicating a violent struggle.
Prosecution's Case and Key Evidence
Opening the case for the prosecution, William Boyce KC told the court that Pexton claimed she could not remember what happened during the 90-minute period when she was allegedly in her sister's flat, a timeframe the prosecution asserts is when the murder took place. Pexton, who has no fixed address, has denied the murder charge.
The court heard that Abbott was last seen on a doorbell camera walking her dog at 7:36 am on the morning of June 10. She later spoke to Pexton, who is nine months younger, on the phone at 11:36 am and arrived at her flat around an hour later. Pexton reportedly stayed at the flat for approximately another hour before leaving at about 1:45 pm.
Rolex Watch Theft and Contradictory Statements
Jurors were informed that Abbott was found without her Rolex watch, despite being "greatly attached" to it and seldom removing it. The Rolex was later discovered during a police search of Pexton's bag. When questioned about its possession, Pexton stated, "Oh yes, that's my sister's. She asked me to look after it."
This explanation contradicted what Pexton had told police the previous day, where she said she didn't know if Abbott was wearing her Rolex that day, adding, "She would never take it off, she always wore it." The discrepancy has become a focal point in the prosecution's argument.
Blood-Stained Clothing and Hospital Admission
The court heard that the blue dungarees Pexton wore on the day of the alleged murder were covered in Abbott's blood. Pexton allegedly asked one of her daughters to wash or dispose of the garments while she was hospitalized. She claimed the blood resulted from her sister suffering a nosebleed during a hug, but prosecutors dispute this account.
After the alleged killing, Pexton called her GP claiming to have taken an overdose, leading to her hospitalization. Before admission, she reportedly told a 999 operator that she had been abused by her family, describing them as "very powerful" and stating they would kill her if she reported the abuse to authorities.
Defense Claims and Ongoing Trial
Pexton later told police that her sister had been in "good spirits" when she last saw her and that she did not remember details around the time Abbott is thought to have died due to having "blacked out." The trial continues as the court examines the evidence and testimonies to determine the truth behind this tragic family dispute.
