Woman killed mother-in-law for inheritance money

A “vicious” woman who killed her disabled mother-in-law by setting fire to her home in a bid to get her inheritance money has been jailed for life. Karen Vamplew, 44, started a fire at the property of Elizabeth Vamplew, 77, by lighting her bed while she slept, a jury at Leicester Crown Court heard.

The frail pensioner died of burns and smoke inhalation after the fire tore through her bungalow on Eton Court, Newark, Notts., on December 15, 2021. Her daughter-in-law, also known as Karen Degg, committed the murder in a offer to collect the money from the inheritance because he was in considerable debt.

She had kept her money problems a secret from her husband and mother-in-law and claimed to police that the fire was accidentally started by a lit cigarette. Jurors heard that Vamplew also used her mother-in-law’s bank account to fund her lifestyle and pocketed nearly £27,000 from it.

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Last week, a jury found her guilty of murder at trial. Today (Monday) Vamplew, from Newark, was jailed for life and ordered to serve a minimum term of 32 years.

Judge Timothy Spencer KC said her actions were “evil and terrible” and Elizabeth would have awoken to find a scene of “hell” in her bedroom. The court was told that Elizabeth, known to her family as Anna, was in poor health after seven hip operations and was deaf.

The judge said Vamplew considered her mother-in-law “a burden” and killed her for financial gain. Thanking the jury for their service after the verdicts, Judge Spencer told them the case was “one of the most distressing we can imagine”.

Paying tribute after the case, heartbroken family members said in a statement: “Anne was a devoted mother, sister, grandmother, aunt and friend to many. She married her husband Jess in 1968 and they embarked on their journey together at Collingham.

“Their family grew with the arrival of Mark, and later, they moved to Newark, where Rachel completed their loving family circle. Together they created fond memories traveling in their caravan, often accompanied by Anne’s sister Jean and their families.

“Anne and Jess have found solace and joy in tending their beloved garden, winning recognition with an award for best kept garden. Christmas held a special place in Anna’s heart because it meant being surrounded by her beloved family, the true source of her happiness. .

“Anne was at her happiest when she was spending time with her three granddaughters – Leah, Jessie and Isla. She was extremely proud of everything. Anne loved her vacations and loved to travel. She went at least twice a year with family and friends. many friends during these holidays as he loved to chat and meet people.”

“She will be greatly missed by her family and many friends.”