A man has been handed a life sentence for the brutal murder of his cousin using an axe in her residence. The police labeled the incident involving Donald Excell, 49, fatally attacking 58-year-old Rita Lambourne as extremely distressing.
The tragic event occurred in Bexhill, East Sussex, on February 12, 2025, as Excell was captured on CCTV calmly approaching Lambourne’s home late at night carrying an axe. During the trial, it was revealed that Excell struck Lambourne at least four times with the axe, causing fatal injuries. Shortly after the attack, Excell nonchalantly left the scene. He has now been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 31 years.
At the time of the assault, Lambourne was on the phone with her partner, who then alerted family members to check on her. Upon arrival, Lambourne’s sister, Claire Haldane, discovered her lying in the living room and initiated CPR.
Excell, residing on Seabourne Road, Bexhill, denied murder and possession of a bladed weapon but was unanimously found guilty at Hove Crown Court in December.
The trial exposed a deterioration in the relationship between Lambourne and Excell starting in 2022 due to alleged family issues. Excell believed there was a hidden scandal involving a pedophile ring within the family, which Lambourne was accused of concealing.
Lucie Lambourne, the victim’s daughter, recounted how Excell instilled fear in her mother with his erratic behavior, including baseless accusations and outbursts. Haldane informed the jury that Lambourne expressed fear and uncertainty about Excell’s intentions but refused to show her fear outwardly.
The murder investigation faced obstacles until teenagers discovered a rucksack near a lake north of Bexhill containing items related to the crime. Subsequently, police divers recovered an axe from the lake two weeks later, crucial evidence in the case.
Following the guilty verdict, Detective Chief Inspector Alex Campbell expressed the distress of all involved, particularly Lambourne’s family and the community. The hope is that the verdict offers some closure to those affected by the tragic event.
