How police caught killer criminology student without DNA evidence

Nasen Saadi, a 21-year-old criminology student, has been convicted of murdering Amie Gray, a 34-year-old football coach, on a beach in Bournemouth. The tragic incident occurred on a Friday night under the glow of a Blood Moon. Mick Priddle, an amateur photographer, was on a cliff taking pictures when he heard two piercing screams from the beach below. This moment would make him a crucial witness in the investigation. Amie Gray was stabbed ten times by Saadi, while her friend Leanne Miles, aged 38, was also attacked but managed to call for help. Leanne was rushed to the hospital with multiple stab wounds, but sadly, Amie succumbed to her injuries on the beach. Detective Inspector Mark Jenkins, who led the investigation, noted that Leanne provided a detailed description of the attacker, but the lack of DNA evidence made it challenging to identify him. The attacker had left no forensic traces behind, complicating the case further. CCTV footage captured Saadi fleeing the scene, but the images were grainy and unclear. The police needed to find a way to connect him to the crime. They meticulously reviewed hours of CCTV footage, and after three days, they had a breakthrough. They spotted Saadi in the morning before the attack, walking on West Hill Road. This was a significant moment for the investigation. The footage showed him entering a convenience store and using his bank card to pay for snacks, which allowed the police to trace his identity and address. Saadi was arrested at his aunt's house in Croydon a few days later. He had traveled to Bournemouth a week before the attack and stayed in a hotel. During police questioning, he claimed he was on a solo trip and could not remember what happened after checking out of the hotel. He suggested he might have been sleepwalking. However, detectives discovered troubling searches in his internet history, including queries about the sharpness of kitchen knives and how to avoid getting caught as a criminal. They also found knives, latex gloves, and a balaclava in his home. Despite gathering substantial evidence about Saadi's background and movements, the police still lacked DNA evidence or the murder weapon. Detective Inspector Jenkins expressed his surprise that they could not find any blood on Saadi's clothing or recover the items he wore during the attack. They needed a witness to place Saadi at the scene of the crime. Mick Priddle, the photographer, recalled seeing a man who matched Saadi's description near the beach that night. He was confident it was him. Mr. Priddle described the man as 'menacing' and was able to identify Saadi from a selection of photographs provided by the police. His testimony played a vital role in securing the conviction. Saadi was charged with murder and attempted murder but denied the allegations. He chose not to testify during the nine-day trial. The jury ultimately found him guilty, and he is now serving his sentence. Detective Inspector Jenkins expressed pride in his team's efforts to solve the case, emphasizing the tragic nature of the attack. He noted that Amie and Leanne were simply enjoying a peaceful evening on the beach when they were targeted. The motive behind Saadi's actions remains unclear, leaving Amie's family with unanswered questions about why this horrific event occurred.