A criminology student from the UK allegedly murdered a woman to understand “what it feels like to take life.” The tragic event occurred on May 24 at Bournemouth seafront, where 20-year-old Nasen Saadi is accused of killing 34-year-old Amie Gray and attempting to murder her 38-year-old friend Leanne Miles. His trial is currently underway at Winchester Crown Court. Saadi reportedly planned the attack for almost a month.
Prosecutor Sarah Jones KC described Saadi’s actions as “horrifying in their savagery and randomness.” She stated, “He seems to have wanted to know what it would be like to take life, to make women feel afraid. Perhaps he thought it would make him feel powerful or interesting.”
On the night of the attack, Gray and Miles were enjoying the full moon by a fire on Durley Chine Beach in West Undercliff Promenade. Saadi had booked a room at a nearby Travelodge and watched the violent movie *The Strangers – Chapter*. The prosecutor suggested that the film may have influenced his actions.
As Gray and Miles relaxed, Saadi approached them and launched a violent knife attack. While Miles survived with multiple chest and back wounds, Gray tragically died. Miles later revealed that she had pleaded for her life but Saadi showed no mercy.
Dr. Lisa-Maria Reiss, Saadi’s criminology teacher, recalled that Saadi had asked questions about the consequences of murder and self-defense in class, though these topics weren’t part of his curriculum. Saadi claimed he was writing an article on the subject.
Prison officer Benjamin Raffo reported that Saadi admitted a fascination with knives, boasting a collection of six knives due to his admiration for their “shape and look.” Before leaving the beach, Saadi changed clothes and disposed of the weapon used in the attack.
