Grace Millane, a 21-year-old British backpacker set out on a worldwide adventure in 2018. While staying in New Zealand, she in contact with Jesse Kempson through Tinder. Their meeting at Sky Tower seemed promising, marked by enjoyment and positive vibes.
However, the next day, Grace went missing.
Early Life
Grace Millane was born on 2 December 1996, in Wickford, Essex, England. She was the youngest of three siblings, growing up in a well-off family with her father, David Millane, a property developer and her mother, Gillian Millane.
Described as intelligent, kind and outgoing, Grace pursued higher education at the University of Lincoln where she graduated with a degree in advertising & marketing.
Grace Millane’s Mother, Gillian Millane: “She was my best friend, we would always disappear to the pub for a quick drink and we would go away on holiday together”, per BBC.
Deciding to take a gap year, Grace embarked on a journey around the world in October 2018. She began her travels in Peru before arriving in New Zealand.
By 30 November 2018 she had reached Auckland and was staying at the Base Backpackers hostel. She frequently updated her social media, sharing her experiences with her family, and friends.
The Meeting with Jesse Kempson
On 1 December 2018, Grace connected with 27-year-old Jesse Kempson through the Tinder app. After exchanging messages, they decided to meet for drinks, per The Guardian.
Their evening included visits to various bars & restaurants in Auckland, where they engaged in conversation and appeared to enjoy each other’s company. CCTV footage captured them together including moments where they were seen kissing.
Grace later messaged a friend stating, “I click with him so well. I’ll let you know what happens tomorrow”. That night, she accompanied Jesse to the CityLife Hotel, where he resided. She was last seen alive entering the hotel with him, The Sky News reports.
Background of Jesse Kempson
Jesse Kempson was born on 28 December 1991, in Lower Hutt, New Zealand. His early years were marked by instability following his parents separation.
Raised primarily by his father and grandfather, he experienced a difficult childhood characterized by emotional and physical abuse.
His strained relationships with his family led him to move to Australia with his mother during his teenage years before returning to New Zealand in 2016, per Stuff.
Described as having unpredictable mood swings, Jesse was known for fabricating stories to gain admiration. He falsely claimed to own businesses, possess a law degree and have ties to prominent figures.
His history of deception led to multiple job losses including his most recent job as a telephone salesman, which he lost on the same day he met Grace.
Jesse Kempson’s brother described him as a “pathological liar” who “lies over pointless things and continues to lie until the point where he’s got no out…and then he breaks downs and cries and runs away”, per The Sun.
Grace Millane’s Disappearance
On 2 December 2018, Grace’s 22nd birthday, her family and friends attempted to reach her with birthday messages. When she failed to respond concern grew.
After several days of silence, her family reported her missing prompting an immediate police investigation.
Authorities searched the hostel where she had been staying and confirmed she had not returned after her night out on December 1.
Robin McCoubrey: “The evidence from the pathologist is that sustained pressure was applied to Grace Millane’s neck for a period of time—long enough to cause bruising and long enough for her to die.”
Investigators examined her social media activity & identified Jesse Kempson as a person of interest.
A message he had left on Grace’s Facebook profile on the night of her disappearance described her as “Beautiful, very radiant.”
When questioned Jesse admitted to meeting Grace but claimed they had parted ways at 10 p.m.
Investigation and Evidence
Authorities reviewed CCTV footage, which revealed Grace and Jesse entering the CityLife Hotel together. However, there was no footage of Grace leaving. Police then examined Jesse’s activities on 2 December.
CCTV captured him entering an elevator at 8:00 a.m. He later purchased a suitcase and cleaning supplies before renting a car.
That same day he went on another Tinder date with a different woman. Later, he returned to his apartment carrying a Rug Doctor carpet cleaning machine.
Further surveillance footage showed Jesse using a trolley to transport two heavy suitcases into an elevator and loading them into the trunk of his rental car.
The next day, he was seen purchasing a shovel & later cleaning the rental vehicle at a self-service car wash. He was also recorded discarding a bag into a garbage container, the RNZ reports.
The Arrest and Confession
As evidence mounted police brought Jesse in for further questioning. A search of his hotel room using luminol revealed traces of Grace’s blood on the floor.
Confronted with the evidence, Jesse admitted that he and Grace engaged in consensual sex during which she allegedly requested activities involving bondage and choking.
He claimed that he fell asleep afterward and found her unresponsive the next morning.
A forensic examination of his phone uncovered disturbing details. Following Grace’s death Jesse conducted internet searches for “Waitakere ranges” and “hottest fire” and browsed pornography.
Authorities also found intimate photos of Grace’s body taken after she had died, per SKY News.
On 9 December 2018, police located Grace Millane’s remains in a suitcase buried in the Waitakere Ranges, a remote area outside Auckland. Her cause of death was determined to be strangulation.
Detective Lewis Sin: “There was a naked female lying inside the suitcase. She was in a foetal position, her head was facing down towards where the wheels were”, per Nzherald.
Trial and Conviction
Jesse Kempson’s trial began on 4 November 2019. He pleaded not guilty with his defense claiming Grace’s death was accidental.
However, multiple women who had previously dated Jesse testified about his history of violent behavior.
On 22 November 2019, Jesse was convicted of Grace’s murder and sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum non-parole period of 17 years.
Jesse Kempson: “You have no reason to convict me. You’re full of s**t mate.”
Subsequent trials led to additional convictions for separate offenses including rape and assault resulting, in further prison sentences, which were ordered to be served concurrently with his sentence for Grace’s murder.
Gillian Millane: “I did contemplate suicide. That is a horrid place to be. But I couldn’t bring any more sadness to the family. Grace had such a bright future and it was taken away from her and us. I will never see Grace in a wedding dress or see her grandchildren. This is a life sentence I’ve got. This is me until the day I die. But there is a light and I found it. You have to find that inner strength”, according to the BBC.
