Popular dog walker Jennifer Abbott, 69, found murdered in her home near Regent’s Park as police hunt killer who may have targeted her for luxury watch
Police have launched a major manhunt after a pensioner was stabbed to death in her Camden home, with detectives believing she may have been murdered for her diamond-encrusted Rolex watch.
Jennifer Abbott, 69, was found dead by officers called to her property in Mornington Place – where homes sell for over £10 million – at 6pm on Friday.
The Metropolitan Police are now urgently appealing for witnesses as they hunt for the killer, with a distinctive diamond-faced Rolex believed to be missing from the property.
Ms Abbott, who was known professionally as Sarah Steinberg and had worked in the creative industries, was a popular figure in the exclusive Camden enclave near Regent’s Park and London Zoo.
Three Days Before Discovery
The pensioner was last seen alive on the morning of Tuesday, June 10 – three days before her body was discovered – when neighbors spotted her walking her beloved Corgi dog.
A post-mortem examination conducted on Sunday confirmed that Ms Abbott died from “sharp force trauma” – indicating she had been stabbed to death in what police are treating as murder.
Officers were initially called to the scene by London Ambulance Service paramedics, who sadly pronounced her dead at the property on Friday evening.
Hunt for Diamond Rolex
While detectives say they are keeping an open mind about the motive, they are particularly interested in tracing a Rolex watch with a distinctive diamond-encrusted face that they believe is missing from Jennifer’s address.
The luxury timepiece could prove crucial in identifying the killer or understanding the motive behind the brutal attack.
Chief Superintendent Jason Stewart, who leads policing in Camden, said the force is working closely with the homicide team to establish exactly what happened.
Popular Community Figure
Ms Abbott was well-known in the affluent neighborhood, where she was often seen walking her Corgi through the tree-lined streets near her home.
Having previously worked in the creative industries under her professional name Sarah Steinberg, she had become a familiar and popular face in the community.
Neighbors in the exclusive area – just a stone’s throw from Regent’s Park and London Zoo – have been left shocked by the violent crime in their usually peaceful neighborhood.
Urgent Witness Appeal
Police are urgently appealing for anyone who was in the Camden area on Friday to come forward with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem.
Chief Superintendent Stewart said: “Were you out in Camden on Friday? Perhaps you had been coming home from work, or at an event nearby? Did you see or hear anything around Mornington Place that struck you as being unusual?
“Someone must have seen or heard something and no piece of information is too small. It could be the crucial clue that leads us to identify Jennifer’s murderer.”
Extra Patrols Deployed
The Metropolitan Police have increased patrols in the area while officers remain at the crime scene conducting forensic examinations.
Specialist officers are providing support to Ms Abbott’s family during what police described as an incredibly difficult time.
Chief Superintendent Stewart urged residents who may be worried about the incident to speak with the additional officers patrolling the neighborhood.
No Arrests Made
At this stage, there have been no arrests in connection with the murder, with the killer still at large.
Detectives from the Met’s specialist homicide team are leading the investigation, working to piece together Ms Abbott’s final movements and identify anyone who may have targeted her.
The force is particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have seen suspicious activity around Mornington Place in the days leading up to Friday.
Timeline of Events
Tuesday, June 10: Jennifer Abbott last seen by neighbors walking her Corgi dog in the morning
Friday, June 13:
- 6pm: Police called to Mornington Place by London Ambulance Service
- Ms Abbott pronounced dead at the scene
Sunday, June 15: Post-mortem examination confirms death by sharp force trauma
Monday, June 16: Metropolitan Police launch public appeal for information
How to Help
Anyone with information about the murder or who may have seen anything suspicious in the Camden area is urged to contact police immediately.
Chief Superintendent Stewart emphasized: “Extra patrols continue in the area while my officers remain at the crime scene. I would urge anyone who has any information, or who may be worried, to speak to them.”
Members of the public can contact the Metropolitan Police on 101 or provide information anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
In an emergency, always call 999.
This is a developing story. More updates to follow.
