Beach Murder Suspect Had Interest in True Crime, Court Hears

Jurors were informed that a man charged with fatally stabbing a woman on a beach informed law enforcement of his fascination with true crime and horror films. Winchester Crown Court was informed that Nasen Saadi caused the death of Amie Gray, aged 34, and inflicted severe injuries upon Leanne Miles, aged 38, at Durley Chine Beach in Bournemouth on May 24. The 20-year-old individual, who resides in Croydon, refutes the accusations of murder and attempted murder. During a police interview, Mr. Saadi stated his belief that he had been “wrongly accused” and that the evidence against him was “really weak,” according to testimony heard by the jury. Sarah Jones KC, representing the prosecution, asserted that Mr. Saadi “seems to have wanted to know what it would be like to take life.” During the police interview conducted on May 30, which was presented to the jury, Mr. Saadi informed detectives of his interest in unresolved criminal cases, citing examples like the Setagaya family murders in Japan. The court was informed that the defendant responded with “no comment” to several inquiries regarding his visit to Bournemouth. Subsequently, he informed officers that his journey to Bournemouth was “impulsive” and that he had not made arrangements for any activities. Upon being questioned about his selection of the town, he stated that he had simply conducted an online search for “best beaches UK,” and it appeared as the initial outcome. He informed officers that during his time there, he had attended a cinema screening of the horror film The Strangers: Chapter 1, characterizing it as being “about killers that kill with no motive.” When questioned about his emotional state after viewing horror films, he responded: “Nothing.” The court was told that detectives inquired of Mr. Saadi about his actions following his check-out from the Travelodge on May 23 at 14:00. Mr. Saadi stated: “I can’t remember, maybe sleepwalking… I probably blacked out.” He further remarked: “I have a bad memory… I can’t remember things that happened yesterday.” The court had previously been informed that Ms. Gray and Ms. Miles were seated on the beach, where they had kindled a fire. On Wednesday, the courtroom observed a period of silence lasting several minutes as surveillance camera footage of the purported murder was displayed. Ms. Jones stated that after pacing along the promenade for several minutes, Mr. Saadi was observed descending onto the sand and assaulting the women at 23:38 BST. Ms. Jones reported that Ms. Miles placed a call to emergency services at 23:40 BST, and initial responders were prevented from reaching the promenade due to a secured gate. Paramedics reached the location at 23:50 and characterized Ms. Gray as unconscious, unresponsive, not breathing, and “cold to the touch,” the court was informed. The jury was advised that she was declared deceased at 00:24 on May 25, subsequent to cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Ms. Jones recounted that after law enforcement notified Ms. Miles of her friend’s death, Ms. Miles informed them that “Amie Gray had saved her life.” Dr. Basil Purdue, a pathologist, testified that Ms. Gray succumbed rapidly to multiple stab wounds to her chest and arm, including one that penetrated her heart. The jury was informed that Ms. Miles sustained 20 knife wounds, predominantly to her back. The court learned that Mr. Saadi was apprehended at his aunt’s residence in Purley on May 28. A machete, four additional knives, and self-defense spray were discovered in a bedroom at the property. Law enforcement also located a blue rucksack containing used wet wipes, a black balaclava, and a box of latex gloves—two of which were inverted—and confiscated a hard drive and a laptop. On July 17, Mr. Saadi was requested to provide his passwords but declined, and has subsequently admitted guilt to the charge of failing to grant police access to his mobile phone. Consequently, only “limited information” from the phone was available to the police, as stated in court. The jury had previously been informed that Mr. Saadi utilized the profile name “Ninja Killer” on Snapchat and conducted an internet search for “what is the deadliest knife.” Ms. Jones stated that merely days prior to the assault, the defendant had performed internet searches for “Bournemouth CCTV” and “Bournemouth pier CCTV.” The proceedings are ongoing.