Jennifer Abbott, 69, was found with stab wounds and tape over her mouth; police suspect a theft link

A glittering diamond-encrusted Rolex watch may be the key to solving the brutal murder of a woman found dead in her Camden flat, police revealed on Wednesday.

Jennifer Abbott, 69, known professionally as Sarah Steinberg, was discovered fatally stabbed in her Mornington Place home on 13 June. Her body was found with tape over her mouth. She had not been seen since 10 June, when she was spotted walking her beloved corgi through the streets of Camden.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed that paramedics were called to her flat around 6pm. Tragically, Abbott was pronounced dead at the scene. Her pet corgi, found alive but trapped in the bathroom for three days without food or water, survived the ordeal.

A postmortem examination confirmed her cause of death as sharp force trauma. No arrests have yet been made, but detectives are pursuing new leads, including the mysterious disappearance of Abbott’s luxury Rolex.

The distinctive gold timepiece, encrusted with diamonds, is believed to be missing from the flat. Investigators have released an image of the watch, urging the public and jewellers to be on alert.

Detective Chief Superintendent Jason Stewart made a direct appeal to the public: “Someone must have seen or heard something. Were you in Camden on Friday evening? Even a small detail might help us track down Jennifer’s killer. Please come forward.”

Police are treating the case as a suspected targeted burglary-turned-homicide but have not ruled out other motives. Officers believe the Rolex could have been taken during the attack and are asking anyone who may have come across it—online or in person—to contact them immediately.

Neighbours were left shaken by the horror on their doorstep. One resident, who asked to remain anonymous, described the moment her son helped Abbott’s niece gain access to the property.

“She hadn’t heard from her aunt in four days,” the neighbour recalled. “She was shouting, ‘Somebody help me!’ We ran out. My son broke down the door while I held it open. Then we heard her screaming from upstairs—‘She’s been murdered!’ It was heartbreaking.”

“She had tape across her mouth. The poor dog was locked in the bathroom with no food or water. How it survived is a miracle.”

Abbott was well known in the area, described as “a character” and a woman of many talents. “She was a doctor, but she also had a career in the arts. She directed a film in the US, and I even saw interviews of her in LA on YouTube,” the neighbour added.

While officers comb through CCTV and forensic evidence, extra patrols have been deployed in the area to reassure locals. Mornington Place remains cordoned off as the homicide team continues its investigation.

Police stress that no tip is too insignificant. Stewart encouraged the community: “Even if you think it’s nothing, talk to our officers. You might hold the piece that solves this.”

Jennifer Abbott’s family is being supported by specially trained officers. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Metropolitan Police incident room or reach out anonymously via Crimestoppers.