A man has been convicted of murdering 35-year-old Sean Ember at a home in Andover.
Police were called to an address in Arcaro Road at 8.41pm on Friday 29 November 2024, where Sean was found with stab wounds to his neck and chest. Despite emergency efforts from paramedics, he was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
Following an investigation by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, 42-year-old Justin George Griffith was charged with Sean’s murder.
During the trial at Winchester Crown Court, jurors heard how Griffith had stabbed Sean before staging a break-in to cover up what he had done. He misled ambulance call-handlers by claiming someone might still be in the garden, delaying urgent medical assistance. When officers arrived, Griffith repeated his claim that someone had broken into the property and carried out the attack. However, police found the rear door locked and secured from the inside.
Griffith, formerly of Milton Road, Southsea, denied the charge, and the case went to trial on Tuesday 6 May. On Thursday 20 June, after almost 13 hours of deliberation, the jury returned a guilty verdict.
He has been remanded into custody, with a sentencing date to be confirmed.
Detective Inspector Howard Broadribb, who led the investigation, said:
“Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Sean Ember who was tragically killed by Griffith.
“Today’s verdict is a reflection of the commitment of a large number of police officers and staff who worked tirelessly to investigate this incident and bring a case to the Crown Prosecution Service. The collective efforts of all involved in seeking justice for Sean and his family have now resulted in the man responsible for his murder being convicted.”
