Latest news with #KimWhiteTowne
The Citizen
2 days ago
- General
- The Citizen
South African government confirms Cape Town woman's murder in US
The government has confirmed with 'deep sadness' the tragic passing of a South African citizen in West Virginia, United States. 'Our embassy in Washington D.C. is providing full consular assistance to the family,' a statement issued by the Department of International Relations and Co-operation said yesterday. According to the department, the circumstances surrounding the woman's death remain under active investigation by the relevant US authorities. 'Out of respect for the ongoing investigative process, the sensitivity of the matter, and the privacy of the grieving family, the South African government will not be providing further detailed commentary at this time,' the department added. According to reports, Kim White Towne (32), a woman originally from Cape Town, was killed, allegedly by her American husband Alexander Towne (32), after he strangled her during a domestic dispute last month. Fox5 reports court documents revealed that Fairfax County police detectives said Alexander made a distress call to 911, tearfully admitting he had choked his wife during an argument. He allegedly told the dispatcher, 'I don't think she's with us any longer.' Upon arrival, police discovered Kim deceased inside the home. Their three-year-old son, who was also present, was unharmed. Towne was taken into custody and faces a charge of second-degree murder. He is currently being held without bail. The Minister of International Relations and Co-operation, Ronald Lamola, has extended his condolences to the bereaved family during this difficult time. –
The South African
2 days ago
- General
- The South African
BackaBuddy campaign launched to repatriate body of Cape Town woman murdered in US
A BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign has been launched to assist the family of Kim White Towne, a 32-year-old Capetonian who was murdered by her American husband in Chantilly in the state of Virginia. The campaign aims to raise funds for the repatriation of her remains to South Africa so that she can be laid to rest among her loved ones. Towne's tragic death, reportedly at the hands of her husband during a domestic dispute, has left her family devastated and facing a financially overwhelming situation. The campaign, organised by Lauren Delcarme, is titled 'Bring Kim Home' and, at the time of publishing, has already raised R88 404 of its R108 000 target. 'Kim was a vibrant and cherished member of our family whose warmth, kindness and gentle spirit touched everyone she met,' said Delcarme on the campaign page. 'Her sudden and untimely death has left us in profound grief, and we are faced with the heartbreaking task of bringing her home to South Africa.' Delcarme noted that the costs of repatriation are substantial and include cremation, legal documentation, and international transport, among other formalities. The family is appealing to the public for any contributions to help reunite Kim with her family in Cape Town. Kim White Towne, originally from the Blouberg area, had moved to the US to build a life with her husband, with whom she shared a young son. The BackaBuddy page has been flooded with messages of support and heartfelt condolences from friends, family, and even strangers moved by the family's plight. Those wishing to contribute can visit the official BackaBuddy campaign via and search for 'Bring Kim Home' or donate directly to the listed banking details on the campaign page. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Herald
2 days ago
- General
- The Herald
Embassy offers help to family of Kim White Towne, alleged GBV victim in US
International relations and co-operation minister Ronald Lamola has offered assistance to the family of Capetonian Kim White Towne, who was allegedly murdered by her American husband. 'Our embassy in Washington DC is providing full consular assistance to the family,' he said while sharing his condolences. Chrispin Phiri, spokesperson for the minister, said: 'The circumstances surrounding the tragic death remain under active investigation by the relevant US authorities. Out of respect for the investigative process, the sensitivity of the matter and the privacy of the grieving family, the government will not provide further detailed commentary at this time.' Towne, 32, from the Blouberg area, had moved to Chantilly, Virginia, with her husband Alexander Towne. They had a child together but their relationship was tumultuous and she had moved home for a while before returning to him, according to posts by family members on social media platforms. She was killed on May 25 when he allegedly strangled her during an argument. A BackaBuddy campaign has been launched to help her family pay for the formalities involved with repatriating her remains. So far donations of R84,484 have been pledged, with a goal of R108,000. Organiser Lauren Delcarme said: 'Kim was a vibrant and cherished member of our family whose warmth, kindness and gentle spirit touched everyone she met. 'Her sudden and untimely death has left us in profound grief, and we are faced with the heartbreaking task of bringing her home to SA, where she can be laid to rest among her loved ones. The process of repatriating a loved one's remains is complex and costly. Expenses possibly include cremation, documentation and international transport. We are reaching out to our community and beyond to ask for support in raising the funds needed to reunite Kim with her family and homeland.' Friends are sharing their memories of her, recalling her as ' an amazing person who was always smiling and bringing joy', and who showed ' warmth, humour and kindness' to everyone she knew. TimesLIVE
The South African
29-05-2025
- The South African
Cape Town teacher killed by husband in United States
A tragic domestic violence incident has rocked both South Africa and the United States, after Kim White Towne, originally from Parklands in Cape Town, was found dead in her home in Chantilly in Virginia. She was 32. She was allegedly assaulted and killed by her husband, Alexander Towne, who has since been arrested and charged with second-degree murder. The Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) confirmed that the suspect himself called law enforcement to report the assault. 'Officers located Kim White, 32, suffering from trauma to the upper body. She was declared deceased at the scene,' said the FCPD in an official statement. Investigators believe White Towne was strangled to death, with the couple's two-year-old son reportedly present in the home at the time of the incident. The child is now in the care of family members, and victim specialists have been assigned to support the grieving relatives. Alexander Towne, 32, remained at the scene until authorities arrived. He is currently in custody without bail. Kim White Towne had lived abroad for several years, spending time teaching in San Diego and Dubai, where she met her husband before relocating to Virginia. While her life appeared outwardly glamorous, her family describes a darker reality of isolation and abuse. Her brother, Jason White, revealed a disturbing pattern of emotional and physical abuse that reportedly predated the couple's marriage. 'My mother would be on the phone with her for hours, concerned about her safety. She would be crying on the phone, locked in her room while my mother could hear him banging on her door,' said Jason. He dismissed claims that Towne's behaviour could be attributed to PTSD or trauma from military service, stating that Towne had not experienced combat-related trauma. 'I think violence and aggression is his true nature,' he added. The news of Kim Towne's death has reverberated across social media, with friends, community members, and South Africans around the world expressing grief and outrage. 'Kim's passing has left a deep ache in our community. She was one of us. A Saffa sister. A daughter of South Africa,' one tribute read. 'Her story is a chilling reminder that behind closed doors, so many are suffering in silence.' As the investigation continues, the FCPD Major Crimes Bureau is conducting interviews and processing evidence to determine the full circumstances behind the killing. Post your condolences below, by … Leaving a comment below, or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Herald
29-05-2025
- General
- The Herald
Capetonian murdered in US, husband arrested
US police have arrested a man who confessed to killing his wife during a 'domestic-related fatal assault' at the weekend. She was named as Kim White Towne, 32, formerly from Cape Town, who had moved to Chantilly, Virginia, with her husband Alexander Towne. 'On May 24 at 7.48pm, officers responded to a domestic incident inside a residence in the 16,000 block of Bromall Court in Chantilly. The suspect reported he had assaulted and killed his wife. [She had] trauma to the upper body and was declared deceased at the scene,' Fairfax County police said.
