Man charged with Bexhill woman's murder
48 year old Donald Excell has been charged with murder by the Crown Prosecution Service.
Last updated 18th Feb 2025
The Crown Prosecution Service has charged a man this morning with murder, following the fatal wounding of 58 year old Rita Lambourne in Bexhill.
The incident took place just after 10pm on Wednesday, 12 February, at a property in Bayencourt South. Despite the efforts of the paramedics to save Ms Lambourne, she was declared dead at the scene. Her next of kin are being supported by specialist police officers.
4\8 year old Donald Excell, of Seabourne Road, Bexhill, was arrested in connection with the incident and has now been charged with murder.
Excell has been remanded in custody and will appear before Brighton Magistrates’ Court today.
A 39-year-old woman who was arrested on suspicion of murder and a 32-year-old man, who was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, both from Bexhill, have been released from custody with no further action.
Detective Chief Inspector Alex Campbell, Senior Investigating Officer, said: “This has been a hugely distressing incident, not least for the family and friends of Rita, but also the wider community."
“I’d like to thank the public for their patience and understanding while our officers have conducted enquiries in the local area."
“Our officers will remain on patrol for reassurance, and in the meantime, I would still urge anyone who can assist us in our investigation to please come forward and contact us.
“We are specifically asking the public for their help in locating two items which we believe are connected to the offence and are currently outstanding."
“One is a navy blue The North Face bag (pictured below) and the second is an axe we believe was used in the attack. We are asking all residents in Bexhill to please check your bins, gardens, and other outside spaces where these items may have been hidden. If you see anything suspicious, please get in touch – any information, no matter how small, could be crucial."
“You can upload any information directly to our Major Incident Public Portal or by calling 101 quoting Operation Mulberry."