Nasen Saadi, a 20-year-old criminology student, has been found guilty of the murder of Amie Gray, 34, and the attempted murder of Leanne Miles on Durley Chine Beach in Bournemouth. The attack, described as “horrifying in its savagery and randomness,” occurred on May 24th, 2024. Saadi stabbed both women multiple times, leaving Amie dead at the scene and Leanne seriously injured with 20 stab wounds. The court heard how Saadi had a morbid fascination with true crime and horror, referring to himself as “Ninja killer” on social media. He also conducted disturbing online searches related to other violent crimes and murders. This interest extended into his academic life, where he questioned lecturers about methods of getting away with murder, raising concerns about his potential for violence.
Prior to the attack, Saadi conducted reconnaissance missions to Durley Chine Beach, scouting the location at night dressed in dark clothing. CCTV footage captured his movements, providing crucial evidence of his premeditation. On the night of the attack, Amie and Leanne were enjoying a bonfire on the beach when Saadi ambushed them. Their screams were recorded on CCTV as Saadi launched his brutal assault. He then fled the scene, leaving the two women bleeding on the sand. Leanne managed to call emergency services, her harrowing 999 call capturing her pain and desperation as she pleaded for help.
Despite the paramedics’ swift response, Amie had already succumbed to her injuries, with multiple stab wounds to her chest and arm, including a fatal wound to her heart. Leanne, although severely injured, survived the attack. She recounted to police how she and Amie had tried to escape but were unable to outrun Saadi, who relentlessly pursued them. She recalled Amie’s desperate cries of “get off me” as she was repeatedly stabbed. Leanne herself pleaded with Saadi to stop, telling him she had children, before he finally retreated.
Saadi was apprehended after being identified by a witness from CCTV footage captured in the vicinity of the attack. During police questioning, he admitted an interest in true crime and horror movies, acknowledging his presence in Bournemouth but claiming a possible “blackout” or impairment due to alcohol consumption. However, police uncovered incriminating evidence on his devices, revealing internet searches related to Bournemouth’s CCTV coverage, beach access times, knife sharpness, and the difficulty of evading capture when committing crimes in different towns.
Further investigation uncovered Saadi’s purchase of multiple knives, although the weapons used in the attack remain unrecovered. A rucksack belonging to Saadi was also seized, containing latex gloves, a balaclava, a torch, used wipes, and tissues – items suggestive of premeditation and an attempt to conceal evidence. Despite the overwhelming evidence against him, Saadi maintained his innocence, claiming mistaken identity and pointing to the lack of a recovered murder weapon as proof. He denied the charges of murder, attempted murder, and wounding with intent but admitted to withholding his mobile phone code from police.
Amie Gray’s family expressed their devastation at the loss of their “amazing, funny, kind and energetic” daughter, wife, and mother. They described her as a vibrant presence who filled any room with laughter, leaving an irreplaceable void in their lives. Her wife, Sian Gray, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing Amie’s loving nature and the immense pain of her absence. She described Amie’s infectious laugh and radiant smile as irreplaceable, expressing her profound grief.
The trial revealed a disturbing portrait of a young man whose obsession with true crime and horror transcended mere fascination, manifesting in a horrific act of violence. Saadi’s premeditated attack, driven by his dark fantasies, tragically cut short the life of a beloved wife and mother and left another with lasting physical and emotional scars. The case highlights the potential dangers of unchecked obsessions and the devastating consequences when fantasy bleeds into reality. Saadi now awaits sentencing for his heinous crimes. The family and friends of Amie Gray grapple with their profound loss, while Leanne Miles continues her recovery, forever marked by the trauma of that fateful night on Durley Chine Beach.
