Man Sentenced to Life for Brutal Murder of Cousin in East Sussex
Axeman who hacked cousin to death in 3-minute rampage after calmly strolling into her home in dead of night is jailed

Image: The Sun
Donald Excell, 49, has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of his cousin, Rita Lambourne, in Bexhill, East Sussex. The attack occurred during a three-minute rampage where Excell struck Lambourne with an axe multiple times after a family dispute. He will serve a minimum of 31 years.
- 01Donald Excell was convicted of murdering Rita Lambourne in her home in Bexhill, East Sussex.
- 02The attack was premeditated following a family dispute over alleged paedophile activities.
- 03Excell struck Lambourne at least four times with an axe, resulting in fatal injuries.
- 04A murder investigation led to the discovery of the murder weapon and Excell's clothing in a nearby waterway.
- 05Rita's family expressed their grief and called for justice, emphasizing her life and legacy.
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Donald Excell, 49, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the brutal murder of his cousin, Rita Lambourne, in Bexhill, East Sussex. The incident occurred on February 12, when Excell entered Lambourne's home and attacked her with an axe, striking her at least four times while she was on the phone. The attack followed a deterioration in their relationship, with Excell accusing Lambourne of covering up a family paedophile ring. Prosecutors described the murder as executed with 'chilling brutality.' After the attack, Excell calmly left the scene. A subsequent investigation led to the recovery of the axe and Excell's clothing, which had been discarded in a nearby waterway. Rita's family released a heartfelt statement, emphasizing their grief and honoring her memory, stating that while justice has been served, the loss of Rita is profound and lasting.
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The murder has deeply affected the local community in Bexhill, East Sussex, highlighting issues of domestic violence and family disputes.
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