The Metropolitan Police said a woman has been arrested on suspicion of murder over the death of Jennifer Abbott. She remains in police custody as inquiries continue
A 66-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a well-known filmmaker was found dead at her London home with tape over her mouth.
The suspect was arrested on Wednesday over the death of Jennifer Abbott, also known as Sarah Steinberg, the force revealed this afternoon. She remains in police custody as inquiries continue.
Police were called to Mornington Place in Camden, north London, at 6pm on June 13 to a report of an unresponsive woman. The victim, who was found with stab injuries, was pronounced dead at the scene. Neighbours last saw her walking her dog in the Camden area on June 10 – three days before she was discovered dead.
She was found by her niece and neighbours, who broke her door down after her family had not heard from her for several days. Neighbours say she was discovered in bed, wrapped in a blanket with tape covering her mouth. A post-mortem examination, which took place on Sunday, established that Jennifer’s cause of death was sharp force trauma.
The Met said her next-of-kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers. Officers are investigating whether Ms Abbott’s death is linked to a diamond-encrusted Rolex missing from her home.
Detective Inspector Barry Hart, of Homicide Command, Specialist Crime North, said: “Our deepest sympathies are with the victim’s loved ones who are being supported by specialist officers at this time. We thank the local community for their patience as we continue to investigate this shocking crime.
“This arrest marks a significant step forward. There are several lines of enquiry ongoing, and we are working hard to establish the exact circumstances of this incident. Locals can expect to see an increased police presence in the area while we conduct our enquiries.”
An ambulance crew was called to Ms Abbott’s home in Mornington Place at around 6pm on June 13 and she was pronounced dead at the scene. Her pet corgi had been shut in the bathroom for three days but survived.
A neighbour, who did not wish to be named, said her son had helped Ms Abbott’s niece get into the flat, along with neighbour William Currie, 63. She said: “I was holding the door open downstairs and my son was upstairs and then I heard her niece screaming.”
She described Ms Abbott as “exuberant” and “vivacious”. Mr Currie, a hairdresser, added: “She used to walk the dog every couple of days. She kept herself to herself, she wasn’t too sociable but kind, polite and well-mannered.”
Ms Abbott directed the award-winning 2010 documentary War of the Gods and has been photographed with celebrities including Paris Hilton and Kate Hudson.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information that could help the police in their investigation is urged to call 101 quoting 6470/13JUN. Alternative, you can call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.