Woman Convicted of Murdering Her Sister and Taking Her Rolex Watch

Woman murdered sister and took her Rolex – On a sunny Thursday in June, a woman was convicted of murdering her sibling, Jennifer Abbott Dauward, also known as Sarah Steinberg, in her residence located in north London. The trial, which took place at the Old Bailey courthouse, concluded with Nancy Pexton, 69, being found guilty of the crime. The incident occurred at her flat in Mornington Place, Camden, on June 10, 2023, when she allegedly stabbed her sister. The body of the victim was discovered three days later by a neighbor, who broke down the door using a scaffolding pole after growing concerned that her dog was not barking. This action led to the tragic revelation of the murder, setting the stage for a legal battle that would ultimately result in Pexton’s conviction.

The victim, Jennifer Abbott Dauward, was nine months older than her sister Nancy Pexton. She had been seen alive on a doorbell camera at approximately 7:30 BST, returning home after walking her corgi, Prince. The footage captured her final moments, which were later scrutinized during the trial. Pexton had called her sister at 11:36 BST, and arrived at the flat via bus at 12:45 BST. According to the timeline presented in court, she left the residence an hour later. Shortly after, she contacted her general practitioner, claiming to have taken an overdose, and was taken to the hospital. While there, she was interviewed and eventually arrested on June 18, 2023, after the police retrieved a diamond-encrusted gold Rolex watch from her bag. The watch, a gift from her son, had been missing from the scene of the crime, raising suspicions about its connection to the murder.

During the investigation, forensic evidence played a critical role in confirming the circumstances of the attack. A post-mortem examination revealed that the victim had suffered multiple stab and slash wounds, with a single defensive wound on her right hand. This detail suggested that the attack was not spontaneous but had been meticulously planned. The presence of gaffer tape covering her mouth further emphasized the brutality of the act. The corgi, Prince, had been trapped in the kitchen during the incident and was later rescued by firefighters, adding a poignant layer to the tragedy. Despite her repeated denials, Pexton’s actions were deemed conclusive by the prosecution, leading to the verdict.

A Family’s Tension Unveiled

Brad Carlson, the victim’s son, provided insight into the strained relationship between his mother and aunt Nancy Pexton. He described a “bubbling” resentment that had been simmering between the two women. During his testimony via video-link, Carlson explained: “There was interaction and sometimes anger and hostility between my mother and Nancy; there was resentment seemingly bubbling up.” This statement, delivered in a blockquote, highlighted the emotional undercurrents that may have contributed to the murder. The family dynamics, including the victim’s role as a matriarch, were examined closely by the court to assess the motive behind the attack.

“There was interaction and sometimes anger and hostility between my mother and Nancy; there was resentment seemingly bubbling up.”

Pexton, who had no fixed address, did not testify in her trial, choosing instead to appear via video-link from Bronzefield Prison. Her notes on her phone, which were presented as evidence, revealed her contemplation of the act. In one of the messages, she referred to her sister as “evil,” indicating a deep-seated animosity. These notes, along with the timeline of events, were central to the prosecution’s case, which argued that Pexton had orchestrated the murder with deliberate intent.

The Legal Proceedings and Prosecution’s Argument

The trial, which spanned several days, focused on establishing a clear link between Pexton and the crime. Devi Kharran, a prosecutor with the Crown Prosecution Service, emphasized the callous nature of the attack. During her closing remarks, she stated: “Pexton carried out a brutal and callous attack on her sister, who ‘should have been able to trust’ her.” This assertion underscored the gravity of the crime and the failure of the sister’s trust, which the prosecution argued was a key factor in the murder.

“Pexton carried out a brutal and callous attack on her sister, who ‘should have been able to trust’ her.”

The evidence presented during the trial included the Rolex watch, which was recovered from Pexton’s bag after she was detained. The fact that the watch, a cherished family heirloom, was missing from the victim’s home added a layer of personal motive to the case. The prosecution also highlighted the sequence of events leading to the murder, including Pexton’s arrival at the flat, the lack of witnesses, and the absence of a clear alibi. These factors, combined with the physical evidence, painted a compelling picture of premeditated violence.

In the days following the murder, the victim’s son was reported to have made multiple missed calls from abroad, indicating his distress and concern for his mother’s safety. This detail, while not directly linking him to the crime, suggested a broader sense of family turmoil. The trial also brought attention to the emotional toll on the surviving relatives, with the corgi’s rescue serving as a symbolic moment of hope amid the tragedy. Despite the absence of direct confrontation, the evidence left little room for doubt, and the jury was convinced of Pexton’s guilt.

Following the conviction, Judge Anuja Dhir KC adjourned the sentencing to a later date, allowing time for further deliberation. The judge’s decision reflected the severity of the crime and the need to consider the appropriate punishment. Pexton’s defense, which had focused on her denial of wrongdoing, was ultimately overshadowed by the prosecution’s cohesive narrative. The case now moves to the sentencing phase, where the court will determine the consequences of Pexton’s actions. The family, still reeling from the loss, will await the outcome, hoping for closure in a case that has exposed deep personal conflicts and the devastating impact of betrayal.

The trial has sparked discussions about the role of family relationships in criminal acts. While Pexton’s motive remains a subject of debate, the evidence presented in court leaves no room for ambiguity. The missing Rolex watch, the defensive wound on the victim’s hand, and the timeline of events all point to a calculated act of violence. As the legal process continues, the case serves as a reminder of the complexities of familial bonds and the potential for them to turn into sources of conflict. The public, captivated by the drama of the case, has followed the proceedings closely, with media outlets and social platforms amplifying the story. The BBC, in particular, has provided extensive coverage, ensuring that the details of the conviction are widely disseminated.

For now, the focus remains on the trial’s conclusion and the implications of the verdict. The sentencing, scheduled for Friday, will be a pivotal moment in the case, determining the fate of Nancy Pexton. The murder of Jennifer Abbott Dauward has left a lasting mark on her family and the community, underscoring the personal and emotional weight of the crime. As the court prepares to deliver its judgment, the story of betrayal and vengeance continues to unfold, with the Rolex watch serving as a silent witness to the tragic events that transpired in a London flat. The case is a stark example of how close relationships can become battlegrounds for unresolved tensions, and how a single act of violence can reshape lives forever.

The Crown Prosecution Service has expressed satisfaction with the verdict, emphasizing that the evidence was overwhelming. Kharran, who provided the prosecution’s closing argument, reiterated that despite Pexton’s denials, the proof presented in court was irrefutable. “The evidence all pointed to one clear conclusion,” she said, reinforcing the prosecution’s stance. The trial not only brought justice to the victim but also served as a testament to the thoroughness of the legal process in uncovering the truth. As the sentencing date approaches, the family and friends of Jennifer Abbott Dauward will reflect on the life she led and the fate that befell her in a moment of unanticipated violence.

Public interest in the case has been significant, with media outlets and social platforms continuing to report on the trial. The BBC has played a key role in keeping the story in the spotlight, providing updates and analysis as the case progressed. Listeners of BBC Radio London and followers on Facebook, X, and Instagram have engaged with the narrative, highlighting the broader impact of the murder. The case has also prompted discussions about the importance of trust within families and the consequences of its breach. With the conviction finalized, the next step is the sentencing, which will bring the chapter to a close but leave lasting impressions on all involved.