A 20-year-old criminology student has been found guilty of the brutal murder of Amie Gray, 34, and the attempted murder of her friend Leanne Miles, 39, on Bournemouth beach. The jury delivered the verdict after hearing harrowing evidence about the late-night attack, which has shocked the local community and beyond.
Nasen Saadi, who referred to himself as "Ninja Killer," was convicted at Winchester Crown Court after prosecutors described the senselessness of his crime. On the evening of May 24, 2023, the two women were enjoying a fire on Durley Chine Beach when Saadi ambushed them. Ms. Gray suffered ten stab wounds, including one to the heart, and was pronounced dead on the scene, whereas Ms. Miles survived after being stabbed twenty times.
The court was presented with audio recordings of the attack, including the screams of the victims, which underscored the horror of the incident. Sarah Jones KC, prosecuting, described Saadi’s actions as part of his aim to understand what it felt like to kill, voicing such motives as wanting to make others feel afraid or seeking power through violence. "This defendant seems to have wanted to know what it would be like to take life," she said.
Saadi had planned the murder for weeks, conducting extensive research on how to commit such deeds without being caught. Surveillance footage showed him prowling the beach area prior to the attack, and he was recorded loitering near the victims before launching his assault. Despite his attempts to obscure his identity, including disposing of his clothes and weapon, police quickly linked him to the crime scene.
Ms. Gray’s wife, Sian, expressed gratitude to everyone involved in bringing justice for her partner, saying, "I want to thank all of Dorset Police, the jury, prosecution team, the medics and first response team. Amie will never be forgotten." She emphasized the warmth and love Amie had shared with many, calling attention to the brutality of her death.
Det. Insp. Mark Jenkins of Dorset Police praised Ms. Gray's heroism during the attack, stating, "Her selfless bravery saved Leanne’s life, but tragically cost her own." He described how the women were unaware of Saadi until he attacked, turning their peaceful evening to chaos.
The investigation revealed Saadi's fascination with knives, having purchased several prior to the attacks, and his disturbing obsession with crime. He had been seen researching infamous murders, including those of Milly Dowler and Brianna Ghey. One lecturer raised concerns about Saadi's inquiries about "how to get away with murder," leading him to question whether he was plotting something sinister.
During the trial, Saadi displayed minimal emotion upon hearing the guilty verdict. The judge, Mrs. Justice Cutts, indicated Saadi would receive a life sentence, underscoring the severity of his actions. "You have been convicted of the most serious of crimes," she told him, highlighting the necessity of considering psychiatric evaluations before determining the minimum sentence.
Family and friends of both victims are reeling from the attack, with public statements calling for mental health evaluations for Saadi. Support for the victims' families has poured out from the community, illustrating the deep impact of this incident. Benjamin May, senior crown prosecutor with CPS Wessex, called the attack "senseless" and hoped the convicted murderer would be forgotten, contrasting this with the lasting memory of Amie Gray as someone who touched many lives.
With sentencing scheduled for March 28, 2024, attention now turns to how this tragedy has altered the lives of those who knew Amie Gray and Leanne Miles. The police investigation still faces scrutiny over Saadi’s prior behaviors and whether aspects of his life might have been indicative of his violent tendencies.
While the beach where the attack occurred will eventually see people return for leisure, the memory of Amie's vibrant life and the horror of her murder will undoubtedly linger. The case has underscored the pressing issues surrounding mental health and societal safety, prompting calls for more rigorous surveillance and preventive measures to protect potential victims from individuals influenced by violent ideologies.
