Film Director Found Dead in Camden Flat as Sister Faces Murder Charges
A London court has heard harrowing details about the death of 69-year-old film director Jennifer Abbott, who was allegedly stabbed by her sister in her north London apartment. The victim, also known as Sarah Steinberg, was discovered on June 13 in her Mornington Place, Camden flat with gaffer tape covering her mouth and wearing only her underwear.
Violent End and Missing Luxury Watch
Prosecutors claim that Nancy Pexton, 70, slit her sister's throat and stole a diamond-encrusted Rolex watch valued at £70,000. The court heard that Pexton allegedly shut Ms Abbott's corgi dog, Prince, in the kitchen, where the pet was found alive three days later when a neighbor broke down the door.
The neighbor acted after Ms Abbott failed to respond to Pexton's daughter, who had been asked to check on the flat following a call from Ms Abbott's son. The diamond-encrusted gold Rolex was missing when police discovered the body but was later recovered from Pexton's belongings after she was admitted to hospital.
Family History of Conflict and Early Life Trauma
The Old Bailey trial revealed deep-seated family tensions, with Ms Abbott's son Brad Carlson describing "bubbling" resentment between his mother and aunt. Giving evidence via video-link, Mr Carlson stated: "There was interaction and sometimes anger and hostility between my mother and Nancy, there was resentment seemingly bubbling up."
In a poignant twist, the court learned that Ms Abbott had fled the Six-Day War as a 12-year-old girl, carrying her infant nephew Feras Abu-Kait in her arms as they escaped to Kuwait in 1967. Mr Abu-Kait, giving evidence with Arabic interpreter assistance, explained that Ms Abbott raised him alongside his grandmother during this turbulent period.
The victim later married in Kuwait and gave birth to her son Brad before moving to the United States, while Pexton had her daughter Mai in Kuwait before relocating to the United Kingdom.
Mounting Evidence and Defendant's Claims
Jurors heard that Ms Abbott had expressed fear for her safety, telling her nephew she believed Pexton was "capable of anything." She allegedly revealed that Pexton had attempted to murder two boyfriends and hired people to assault someone named David. Ms Abbott even contemplated applying for a restraining order, writing a note about it on scrap paper.
On June 10, the defendant called her sister nine times, with the final conversation lasting just over fifteen minutes. Prosecutor Bill Boyce KC argued it was "no coincidence" that Ms Abbott was not seen or heard from after walking her corgi that morning, alleging Pexton was the last person to see her alive before fatally attacking her and leaving around 2pm.
Defendant's Version of Events and Ongoing Trial
Pexton, who denies murder, claims Ms Abbott gave her the Rolex to "keep for her." The defendant, homeless at the time of the alleged crime, insists she only visited her sister to collect depression medication and suggests a local drug dealer might be responsible for the murder.
After the discovery of her sister's watch in her possession, Pexton was arrested on June 18, having initially been treated as a witness. She told medical staff she had overdosed following Ms Abbott's death and described herself as "half Jewish, half Italian."
The trial continues at the Old Bailey as jurors weigh the conflicting accounts and evidence in this tragic family dispute that ended in alleged violence.
