A Promising Date Turns Fatal
On December 1st, 2018, 22-year-old Grace Millane, a backpacker from England, met Jesse Kempson in Auckland, New Zealand, after connecting on Tinder. The two were captured on CCTV as they left a bar together, seemingly enjoying each other’s company. The night appeared to be going well as they proceeded to another bar before heading to Jesse’s hotel room. Tragically, this would be the last time Grace was seen alive.
A Disappearance on Her Birthday
The next day, which happened to be Grace’s birthday, her friends and family grew increasingly concerned as she failed to respond to numerous birthday messages. This unusual silence led them to report her missing. Days passed with no word from Grace, and the situation grew dire.
Jesse Kempson’s Suspicious Behavior
Meanwhile, Jesse Kempson’s actions were recorded on CCTV, displaying increasingly suspicious behavior. He was seen repeatedly going up and down the elevator in his hotel, carrying cleaning supplies and a large suitcase. This suitcase would later be revealed to contain Grace’s body.
A Chilling Shopping Trip
On the morning of December 2nd, just hours after Grace was killed, Jesse was seen shopping for items that would aid in covering up his crime. He purchased a suitcase to hide Grace’s body, checking its dimensions to ensure it would fit her remains. Additionally, he bought various cleaning products to sanitize the crime scene.
A New Victim in the Making?
Shockingly, while Grace’s body still lay in his apartment, Jesse went on another Tinder date with a different woman. He wore the same clothes he had on the night before, possibly even the same ones he wore when he killed Grace. During this date, Jesse reportedly brought up disturbing topics, including how to hide a body from the police, frightening the woman enough to end the date early. Her instincts likely saved her life.
The Attempted Cover-Up
After the date, Jesse returned to his apartment, where he spent hours cleaning. He was seen carrying a carpet cleaner and a bottle of cleaner, presumably trying to erase any evidence of Grace’s presence. Later, he was captured on CCTV using a trolley to transport several luggage bags, including the suitcase containing Grace’s body. He then rented a car and, after loading the suitcase into it, drove to a remote location to dispose of her remains.
The Desperate Search for Grace
Grace’s family, desperate for answers, reported her missing on December 5th. Her father flew to Auckland to make a public appeal for information, but their pleas went unanswered. However, Auckland police were diligently investigating Grace’s disappearance. Through surveillance footage, they tracked her movements to Jesse’s hotel and identified him as the last person seen with her.
The Arrest and Interrogation
On December 5th, police apprehended Jesse as he attempted to leave his hotel. During interrogation, Jesse initially tried to lie his way out, but the evidence against him was overwhelming. Surveillance footage, cell phone records, and witnesses placed him at the scene, while receipts showed he had used Grace’s credit card to purchase the suitcase, cleaning supplies, and even to pay for an extra night at the hotel.
A Disturbing Defense
In a second interview on December 7th, Jesse confessed to Grace’s death but claimed it was an accident, attempting to use a defense reminiscent of the “50 Shades of Grey” narrative. He alleged that Grace had consented to a form of sexual activity that led to her death. However, this defense was widely viewed as a scapegoat, especially given the premeditated actions Jesse took immediately after her death.
The Evidence Piles Up
Further investigation revealed that Jesse had made Google searches related to hiding a body and had taken photographs of Grace’s body before and after placing it in the suitcase. These details, coupled with the physical evidence found in his apartment and car, solidified the case against him.
Conviction and Sentencing
Grace’s body was discovered on December 9th, 2018, buried in a shallow grave in the Waitakere Ranges near Auckland. The post-mortem confirmed she had been strangled. In New Zealand, there is no distinction between first-degree and second-degree murder; all charges carry a life sentence. Jesse was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison on February 21st, 2020, with a minimum non-parole period of 17 years. Following his trial, two additional women came forward, accusing Jesse of assaulting them after meeting him on Tinder, leading to an additional 11 years being added to his sentence.
Conclusion
The tragic death of Grace Millane serves as a grim reminder of the dangers that can lurk behind seemingly innocent encounters. Despite the defense’s attempts to minimize Jesse Kempson’s responsibility, the overwhelming evidence and his chilling actions after the murder led to his conviction, bringing some measure of justice for Grace and her family.