Michael Thompson, 56, has been convicted of murdering his estranged wife Kimberley Thompson, 43, and staging her death to appear as suicide. The verdict was delivered on July 8, 2025, after a seven-week trial at Nottingham Crown Court. Thompson was also found guilty of rape and two counts of perverting the course of justice. He will be sentenced next week.
Details of the Murder
Thompson suffocated Kimberley at their home in Pinewood Road, Northampton, in the early hours of August 9, 2024. The court heard that he was in the process of divorcing her and had made hundreds of hours of recordings of her. He did not give evidence but told police he found her lifeless, surrounded by empty tablet packets and alcohol bottles. However, a post-mortem examination found no alcohol and only low levels of caffeine, paracetamol, and codeine in her body.
Domestic Abuse History
Detective Chief Inspector Torie Harrison of Northamptonshire Police stated: "It became clear throughout our investigation that Kim had been subjected to domestic abuse for much of her relationship with Thompson, with manipulation, coercive control, and physical violence the norm." Kimberley had contacted a domestic abuse support service in 2013 but withdrew her complaint due to fear. Thompson monitored her activities, including what she ate, where she went, and who she was with.
Staged Suicide Scene
Thompson manufactured messages from his wife suggesting she was drunk and staged the scene with empty pill packets and alcohol bottles. Prosecutor KC Miranda Moore noted that Thompson had been watching sexual videos of his ex-girlfriend and was upset about Kimberley's new boyfriend and her request for £65,000 in divorce settlement. He claimed Kimberley was "merry" before they had sex, but later found her unresponsive.
Previous Suspicious Death
It can now be reported that Thompson's former partner, Rhonda Anderson, 29, died in suspicious circumstances on July 8, 2000. She was found dead in the bath at her home in Briar Hill, Northampton. An inquest ruled her death accidental due to electrocution from a radio falling into the water. A murder inquiry was launched last year but closed due to insufficient evidence. Prosecutors had sought to introduce this evidence to show Thompson used it to threaten Kimberley, but it was ruled inadmissible.
Police Statement
DCI Harrison said: "Early in our investigation into Kimberley’s death we were told of the death of Michael Thompson’s former partner Rhonda Anderson... we launched a fresh murder investigation. This work has now concluded, and it has been determined there is insufficient evidence to take the investigation further." She added: "I hope today provides Kim’s family and friends with some comfort... Not only did Thompson brutally rape and murder Kim, he took the time to stage her death in order to make people believe she had committed suicide."
Appeal for Help
DCI Harrison urged anyone experiencing domestic abuse to seek help: "We have specialist police officers who work with survivors of domestic abuse... My plea to anyone who finds themself in this situation is to please ask for help."
