Newmarket man given life sentence for murder

A man from Newmarket who pleaded guilty to murdering his wife has been given a life sentence.

Olubunmi Abodunde, 48, of Exning Road, Newmarket appeared at Ipswich Crown Court today, Thursday 9 May. He will have to serve a minimum custodial term of 17 years before being considered for release by the parole board. He had pleaded guilty to murder at a previous hearing in April.

Judge Martyn Levett described the attack on Taiwo Abodunde, 41, as “cold blooded and callous”, leaving her with catastrophic injuries.   

Police entered a property in Exning Road shortly before 10am on 28 November. Upon entering officers discovered the body of Taiwo Abodunde.

Olubunmi Abodunde was arrested and taken to Martlesham Police Investigation Centre where he was subsequently charged with murder.

As is standard procedure, a referral was made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, due to previous police contact at the address. The IOPC is investigating the previous police contact.

Detective Inspector Dan Connick said: “I hope this sentence provides some comfort and reassurance to those most affected by the murder of Taiwo Abodunde, in particular her family and friends.

“Our thoughts remain with the family and all those who knew Taiwo.”

 

Previous release | 24 April 2024

A man from Newmarket has pleaded guilty at court to murdering his wife in November last year.

The trial of Olubunmi Abodunde, 48, of Exning Road, Newmarket, began on Monday 22 April at Ipswich Crown Court.

At court today, Wednesday 24 April, Abodunde changed his plea to guilty, with a sentencing hearing to take place on 9 May at Ipswich Crown Court.

Police had entered a property in Exning Road shortly before 10am on 28 November. Upon entering officers discovered the body of a woman.

Abodunde was arrested and taken to Martlesham Police Investigation Centre where he was subsequently charged with the murder of Taiwo Abodunde, 41.

As is standard procedure, a referral was made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, due to previous police contact at the address. The IOPC is investigating the previous police contact.

Detective Inspector Dan Connick said: “This was an awful attack on a woman that has had a lasting impact on the community and most importantly on the victim’s family.

“We are pleased that Taiwo’s family will no longer have to go through the pain of a trial.

“Our thoughts remain with Taiwo’s family and friends and hope this result will bring some small comfort to them.”

 

Previous release | 30 November 2023

A man has been charged with murder following the death of a woman in Newmarket.

Police entered a property in Exning Road at 9.55am on Tuesday 28 November. Upon entering officers discovered the body of a woman.

Paramedics were also in attendance, but the victim, a woman aged in her 40s, was sadly declared deceased at the scene.

Two men, a 47-year-old man and a 38-year-old man, were arrested on suspicion of murder. Both men were taken to Martlesham Police Investigation Centre for questioning.

Olubunmi Abodunde, 47, of Exning Road, Newmarket, has been charged with murder. He has been remanded to appear before Suffolk Magistrates’ Court today, Thursday 30 November.

The 38-year-old man was released and will face no further action.

A police cordon remains in place within Exning Road and members of the public will continue to see an increased police presence in the area.

Officers continue to ask anyone that was on Exning Road on Tuesday 28 November between 8.30am and 9.30am to contact Suffolk Constabulary, in particular drivers of vehicles with dash-cameras fitted. Anyone with information that could assist the inquiry is asked to contact the Major Investigation Team, either via our online portal or by telephone as detailed below:

• Major Incident Public Reporting Portal - https://mipp.police.uk/operation/363723O45-PO1
• Phone – call 101

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their online form: www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Please note in the event of an emergency you should always call 999.

 

Previous release | 29 November 2023 - 19:13pm

A man arrested on suspicion murder following the death of a woman in Newmarket has been released.

Police entered a property in Exning Road at 9.55am yesterday, Tuesday 28 November. Upon entering officers discovered the body of a woman.

Paramedics were also in attendance, but the victim, a woman aged in her 40s, was sadly declared deceased at the scene.

Two men, a 47-year-old man and a 38-year-old man, were arrested on suspicion of murder. Both men were taken to Martlesham Police Investigation Centre for questioning.

The 38-year-old man has now been released and will face no further action.

Detectives have been given a superintendent’s extension giving them a further 12 hours to question the 47-year-old man.

One police cordon remains in place within Exning Road as police enquiries continue.

Members of the public will continue to see an increased police presence in the area.

Following previous police contact at this address, Suffolk Constabulary has referred the incident to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, as per standard procedure.

Anyone that was on Exning Road on Tuesday 28 November between 8.30am and 9.30am, in particular drivers of vehicles with dash-cameras fitted, are asked to contact Suffolk Constabulary. Anyone with information that could assist the inquiry is asked to contact the Major Investigation Team, either via our online portal or by telephone as detailed below:

• Major Incident Public Reporting Portal - https://mipp.police.uk/operation/363723O45-PO1

• Phone – call 101

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their online form: www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Please note in the event of an emergency you should always call 999.

 

Previous release | 28 November 2023 - 19:54pm

A murder investigation has been launched after the death of a woman in Newmarket.

Police entered a property in Exning Road at 9.55am this morning, Tuesday 28 November. Upon entering officers discovered the body of a woman.

Paramedics were also in attendance, but the victim, a woman aged in her 40s, was sadly declared deceased at the scene.

Two men, a 47-year-old man and a 38-year-old man, have been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Both men have been taken to Martlesham Police Investigation Centre for questioning.

Two police cordons are in place within Exning Road as police enquiries take place.

Detectives are treating this as an isolated incident however this will understandably cause concern in the local area. Residents will see an increased police presence, including uniformed officers. Members of the public are encouraged to approach officers and discuss any concerns they may have.

Any witnesses or anyone with any information that could assist the inquiry are asked to contact the Major Investigation Team, quoting reference 37/68826/23, via:

Website – https://www.suffolk.police.uk/tell-us

Phone – Call 101

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their online form: www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Please note in the event of an emergency you should always call 999

 

Previous release | 28 November 2023 - 13:10pm

Police are currently in attendance at a serious incident in Newmarket.

Officers attended a property in Exning Road at 9.55am this morning, 28 November.

Two men have been arrested in connection with this incident.

Police cordons are in place within Exning Road while enquiries take place.