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Tragic Murder of Grace Mullane

Nov 16, 2024

Case Overview: The Tragic Story of Grace Mullane

Background

  • Date: December 1st, 2018
  • Individuals Involved:
    • Grace Mullane, 22 years old, from England, on a backpacking trip in New Zealand
    • Jesse Kempson, her Tinder date
  • Event: Grace was last seen alive on a date with Jesse.

Timeline of Events

  • Meeting and Date:
    • Grace and Jesse meet on Tinder and arrange a date.
    • They drink at several bars, and Grace is seen to be enjoying the date.
    • Last message from Grace mentions she clicks well with Jesse.
  • December 2nd:
    • Grace doesn't respond to birthday messages, raising concerns.
    • Jesse is seen on CCTV acting suspiciously, involving cleaning supplies and a suitcase.

Investigation and Evidence

  • Surveillance and Shopping:
    • Jesse caught on camera buying a suitcase and cleaning products on Grace's credit card.
    • Later seen with a trolley carrying luggage, including the suitcase containing Grace's body.
    • A rental car was used in the disposal of Grace's body.
  • Police Involvement:
    • Grace reported missing by her family on December 5th.
    • Auckland police track Jesse using CCTV footage and credit card records.
    • Jesse apprehended by police on December 5th.

Jesse's Confession and Defense

  • Confession:
    • Jesse admits to placing Grace's body in a suitcase and burying it.
    • Claims the death was accidental during a rough sex encounter.
  • Fifty Shades of Grey Defense:
    • Suggests consensual harm during intimacy as an accident.
    • Defense strategy widely viewed as a scapegoat.

Legal Proceedings

  • Trial and Sentencing:
    • Jesse found guilty of Grace's murder.
    • Sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 17 years non-parole.
    • Additional charges for assault on two more women post-trial, adding 11 years to his sentence.

Conclusion

  • Outcome:
    • Grace was tragically murdered, and Jesse's actions throughout were calculated.
    • The case highlighted the dangers of online dating and the misuse of consent in legal defenses.

Reflection

  • The case serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of safety and awareness during online dating encounters.
  • It also raises questions about legal defenses related to consent and the responsibilities of individuals engaging in potentially harmful activities.

Full transcript