Woman murdered disabled mum-in-law by setting fire to her bed while she slept
An evil killer murdered her disabled mother-in-law by setting fire to her bed while she slept in a bid to get her hands on the inheritance cash after draining her bank account.
Frail Elizabeth Vamplew, 77, died from burns and smoke inhalation after her bungalow in Eton Court, Newark, Nottinghamshire, went up in flames in the early hours of December 15, 2021.
Jurors at Leicester Crown Court heard her debt-ridden daughter-in-law Karen Vamplew, 44, had access to her savings and had splurged £27,000 of it funding her luxury lifestyle.
But the bank put a block on the card and limited transactions to just £5 a day before the murder.
Prosecutor Peter Joyce KC said: ‘The ready source of cash for the defendant had ceased and she [the victim] was no longer of use to the defendant; only a burden.
‘The defendant did however know that under the terms of the deceased’s will the defendant’s husband stood to inherit half his mother’s estate.
‘The will was later found at her home.’
Vamplew, also known as Karen Degg, of Newark, was found guilty of murder last week.
She was jailed for life with a minimum term of 32 years on Monday.
Thanking the jury for their service after the verdicts, Judge Timothy Spencer KC told them the case had been ‘one of the most distressing it is possible to imagine’.
He called Vamplew’s crimes ‘wicked and terrible’ and said Elizabeth – who was deaf and in poor health – would have woken to a scene of ‘hell’ in her bedroom.
The court heard Vamplew had tried to claim the blaze may have been sparked by a dropped cigarette, but tests later confirmed it was started by a naked flame applied to the bed.
Detective Chief Inspector Clare Dean said: ‘This is a very sad and tragic case and I am pleased the jury saw through Karen Vamplew’s lies and found her guilty of murder after careful deliberation.
‘This has been a lengthy and complex investigation and I would like to praise the dedicated work carried out by the investigation team and external specialists to bring Vamplew to justice.
‘Throughout this investigation Vamplew maintained that she was not responsible for the death of her own mother-in-law.
‘The simple fact is that she deliberately set a catastrophic and fatal fire knowing full well that Elizabeth was asleep inside the property.
‘It was a brutal and premeditated act borne out of wickedness and greed.’
Paying tribute after the case, heartbroken family members said in a statement: ‘Anne was a devoted mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, and friend to many.
‘She married her husband Jess in 1968 and embarked on their journey together in Collingham.
‘Their family grew with the arrival of Mark, and later, they moved to Newark, where Rachel completed their loving family circle.
‘Together, they created cherished memories travelling in their caravan, often accompanied by Anne’s sister Jean and their families.
‘Anne and Jess found solace and joy in tending to their beloved garden, earning recognition with an award for Best Kept Garden.
‘Christmas held a special place in Anne’s heart, as it meant being surrounded by her beloved family, the true source of her happiness.
‘Anne was happiest when time was spent with her three granddaughters – Leah, Jessie and Isla. She was immensely proud of them all.
‘Anne loved her holidays and adored cruising. She would cruise at least twice a year with family and friends.
‘She made many friends on these holidays as she loved to chat and get to know people.
‘She will be greatly missed by her family and many friends.’
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