Man convicted of Bexhill murder

A man has been convicted of murder following the death of a woman at her home in Bexhill. The verdict was delivered at Hove Crown Court after a detailed police investigation and trial. The victim was 58-year-old Rita Lambourne, who was found fatally injured at her home in Bayencourt South, Bexhill, on the evening of […]

A man has been convicted of murder following the death of a woman at her home in Bexhill. The verdict was delivered at Hove Crown Court after a detailed police investigation and trial.

The victim was 58-year-old Rita Lambourne, who was found fatally injured at her home in Bayencourt South, Bexhill, on the evening of 12 February 2025. Emergency services attended the address, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Donald Excell, aged 48, from Seabourne Road, Bexhill, was arrested two days later. He is the cousin of the victim and was charged with murder and possession of a weapon in a public place.

The court heard that Excell entered Rita Lambourne’s home and attacked her with an axe, causing fatal injuries. CCTV footage was shown to the jury, tracking his movements before and after the attack. During police interviews, Excell offered no explanation for his actions.

Police were initially unable to locate the murder weapon or clothing linked to the attack. Several months later, a group of teenagers discovered a rucksack near a lake north of Bexhill. Inside were items including clothing, an axe sheath and weights. Further searches by officers led to the recovery of the axe itself.

Financial records showed Excell had purchased an axe and sheath several years earlier, which were delivered to his home address. Forensic experts confirmed the injuries sustained by Rita Lambourne were consistent with that type of weapon.

On 19 December 2025, a jury at Hove Crown Court unanimously found Excell guilty of murder and possession of a weapon. He is due to be sentenced on 12 March 2026.

Detectives described the case as deeply distressing and praised the extensive investigation that led to the conviction, saying the verdict brings accountability for a violent and tragic crime.

Rita Lambourne’s family paid tribute to her, describing her as a much-loved mother, grandmother, sister and friend, and said they hope she will be remembered for her life and the love she shared, rather than the circumstances of her death.