Man who stabbed his own sister to death after row over money as they ate dinner is jailed for life
Kevin Shepherd, 55, stabbed 64-year-old Sharon Butler to death after they started fighting over money while eating dinner at the home where they lived with their mother
A man who stabbed his own sister after they started rowing while eating dinner at home has been sentenced to life in prison today.
Kevin Shepherd, 55, stabbed 64-year-old Sharon Butler to death after they started fighting over money while eating dinner at the home where they lived with their mother. Basildon Crown Court heard how Shepherd and his sister went outside the house in Leigh on Sea, Essex, to continue the row in November last year.
Shepherd, who was unemployed, went back into the family home and grabbed a knife before he went back outside again. Their mother heard Sharon shout “mum”, Simon Spence KC, prosecuting, told the court, before Shepherd came back into the house and confessed to killing his sister.
Shepherd called police to the property, claiming she was unconscious – but when officers arrived they found her body covered by a tarpaulin. Despite the best efforts of paramedics, she was declared dead at the scene and Shepherd was arrested. Investigators found a knife in a nearby plant pot.
He was given a life sentence after he admitted a charge of murder. Shepherd must spend a minimum of 13 years and 6 months behind bars before he is eligible for parole. In a statement issued this afternoon Karen’s family said: “Our world has been shattered by the loss of our loving daughter and sister. Our lives will never be the same without her.
“She never will be forgotten and will be forever in our hearts. The family ask for privacy at this difficult time.” Detective Chief Inspector Terry Balding, who lead the investigation, said: “My thoughts, and those of my team, are with Sharon’s friends and family today.
“I know that no sentence will change what has happened but I hope it will help them move forward. Kevin Shepherd took the life of his sister in a horrendous attack and I am glad we have been able to bring him to justice. I also want to thank my team for their professionalism and dedication throughout this complex and sensitive investigation.”
