Ambrose Sykes

Murderer

1known / alleged victims

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Case Facts

Gender: male
Country: USA
Location: Kent County, Delaware, USA
Date of birth: September 28, 1972
Age at first offence: 32
Characteristics: rape, robbery, convicted rapist
Victim profile: Virginia Trimnell, 68
Method of murder: Strangulation
Date(s) of murder: November 7, 2004
Years active: 2004
Date of arrest: November 29, 2004
Status: Sentenced to death
Sentenced to death on September 20, 2006

Case Summary

Overview

Ambrose Sykes was sentenced to death on September 20, 2006. He was convicted of the rape and murder of retired teacher Virginia Trimnell.

The offence

Sykes raped and murdered retired teacher Virginia Trimnell. He then placed her bound and gagged body in a suitcase in the trunk of her car. Sykes drove her car around for a few days before police pulled him over.

Investigation

Police pulled Sykes over after he had driven Virginia Trimnell’s car for a few days. After police pulled him over, Sykes escaped.

Sykes eluded police for more than 3 weeks before he was captured.

Arrest

Sykes was captured after eluding police for more than 3 weeks.

Trial

Sykes was convicted of the rape and murder of retired teacher Virginia Trimnell.

Prosecution’s case and defence response

The defence argued that there was no forced entry into the Trimnell apartment. The defence also argued that Trimnell did not have defensive wounds, suggesting that Sykes had a relationship with her.

Penalty phase

In the penalty phase, the defence presented evidence that Sykes did not have a violent criminal history.

Sentencing

Sykes was sentenced to death on September 20, 2006.

Other details

Prosecution

Prosecutor(s): R. David Favata, Stephen Welch.

Defence

Defense lawyer(s): Christopher Tease, Tom Donovan.

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