A man has been given a life sentence for the brutal murder of his cousin using an axe at her residence. The police described the incident involving Donald Excell, 49, attacking 58-year-old Rita Lambourne as highly distressing.
The tragic event took place in Bexhill, East Sussex, on February 12, 2025, shortly after Excell was captured on CCTV approaching Lambourne’s home carrying an axe. During the trial in December, it was revealed that Excell struck Lambourne at least four times with such intensity that her heart was pierced by the blade. Within minutes of the attack, Excell left the scene. He has now been handed a life sentence with a minimum term of 31 years.
At the time of the assault, Lambourne was on the phone with her partner, who alerted family members to check on her. Upon arrival, her sister Claire Haldane found Lambourne in the living room and initiated CPR.
Excell, a resident of Seabourne Road, Bexhill, initially denied the charges of murder and possession of a bladed article but was unanimously convicted at Hove Crown Court in December.
During the trial, it was disclosed that Excell and Lambourne had a good relationship until 2022 when a disagreement occurred. Excell alleged the existence of a family pedophile ring that Lambourne had allegedly concealed.
Lucie Lambourne, Rita Lambourne’s daughter, recounted how Excell instilled fear in her mother when he became aggressive, accusing her of false accusations. Claire Haldane, another sister, testified that Lambourne was terrified but tried not to show it during confrontations with Excell.
The murder investigation faced obstacles due to the missing murder weapon until teenagers found a backpack containing clothing and an axe sheath while fishing near Bexhill. Subsequently, police divers recovered an axe from a lake two weeks later.
Detective Chief Inspector Alex Campbell expressed the distress caused by the case, particularly to Rita’s family, friends, and the community, hoping that the verdict would bring some closure to those affected.