Transgender woman, 71, killed partner with sword, jury finds
Ms Rowland-Stuart, who identifies as a transgender woman, and Mr Rowland-Stuart, known as Andy, had a civil partnership in 2006.A post mortem concluded that he died from stab wounds and the trial previously heard that she killed him with a samurai sword.She previously told police that she had acted in self defence at his flat in Lavender Street on 27 May 2024.
Recovered internet searches from Ms Rowland-Stuart's phone in the weeks before the death showed 14 results for swords, including replica swords, curved swords, samurai curved swords, Japanese swords and Japanese sword names, the court was previously told.Ms Rowland-Stuart was ruled unfit to plead by Judge Christine Laing KC on Monday, so did not take part in the trial.A statement released on behalf of Mr Rowland-Stuart's family said: "We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone involved with this case over the past year."To DC Anna Stacey for her care and communication with the family while we were in England and back home in New Zealand, and to Andrew's Sussex 4x4 family, especially Jason, who helped us immensely while we were there."Det Ch Insp Alex Campbell, from Sussex Police, said: "Our thoughts remain with the family of Andrew and we want to thank everyone who has assisted us in this complex investigation."
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