THE HORRIFIC murder of former Altinkum resident Jan Bennett – who moved to Bulgaria to start a new life less than three months ago – has emerged over the weekend, with the Bulgarian Prime Minister revealing she had been raped, severely beaten and burnt.
A man, believed to an ex-convict, has been detained by the police as part of a murder inquiry into the shocking death of Mrs Jan Bennett, who with her disabled husband Nick, had moved to the village of Malomir, close to Yambol in Tunja province, from Altinkum back in the spring.
Her charred remains were discovered some hours after she had gone out apparently to walk her dogs at about 10pm on Thursday night (July 30). Her body was found less than 200 metres from her home, local Bulgarian media sources said.
Today (Sunday August 2), the Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov confirmed to Radio Focus that the victim, who is British, had been raped, severely hit and burnt.
He said that Mrs Bennett went out to walk her two dogs when she was attacked. DNA found at the crime scene helped the authorities to catch the perpetrator, he added.
Minister Boyko Borisov praised the local police teams for helping to solve the crime.
The death of Mrs Bennett has sent shockwaves through the Altinkum community, where she was a popular expat who had settled into the way of life before deciding to seek pastures new and settle in Malomir.
Plans are now being laid for a memorial service in Altinkum at the Alevi Religious House near the small Kipa on either August 9 or 16. It will be advertised in Voices newspaper in due course.
Mrs Bennett (pictured right) was said to have played an active part in the work of the church in Altinkum, which meets weekly at the Alevi base.
In a touching memorium message, close friend and Didim restaurateur Ms Karin Dalbak, said: “You were a one off.
“Such a kind person who cared about everyone and all the animals too. I will miss your funny comments, your kind words and your never ending enthusiasm and joy. The world is a poorer place without you Jan.”
Bulgarian news sources reported Friday the body was discovered by a local man, whose initials have been released as ZH.V, who “had helped them in the household”.
Bulgarian news source 24 hours today (Sunday) said that she may have been attacked within minutes of leaving her house.
Malomir locals, quoted by 24 hours, suggested she may have gone to a ‘mystery meeting’ after actually returning with her dogs. That is likely to be one strand of the police inquiry.
One person who found her body said: “When I found (her, she) looked like a broken doll, bent double. Only her feet were not burned.”
24 hours said the autopsy results will become clearer on Monday.
Voices can’t confirm this, but 24 Hours said the tragic news had been communicated to her husband – 62-year-old Nick Bennett, in the presence of a doctor.
The mayor of the village Hristina Dimova said had suggested that Mr Bennett should be transferred to hospital for medical supervision to ensure his condition did not worsen as a precautionary measure.
Dimova said the couple, who had settled in Malomir (pictured) three months ago, had not sought the help of the Bulgarian doctor as Mr Bennett completely cared for her husband.
He said: “They came to us from Turkey about 3 months ago and the family were living quietly. The news (of her death) came to us like a thunderbolt.”
Dimova suggested Mrs Bennett may have been murdered for money.
Malomir is a village of 740 people, 28 of them British. Official sources say that within the province of Tunja, there are a total of 234 registered British citizens.