The Brutal Case of Julia Rawson
Disturban
12 min, 47 sec
The video details the life and tragic murder of Julia Rossen, her disappearance, the investigation, and the subsequent trial and conviction of Nathan Maynard-Ellis and his partner David Leesley.
Summary
- Julia Rossen, a 42-year-old artist and musician, was reported missing after she did not return home from a night out in May 2019.
- Investigation led to Nathan Maynard-Ellis and David Leesley, who were found with incriminating evidence such as Julia's blood in their flat and her DNA on burned clothes.
- CCTV footage and witness statements connected the men to Julia's dismemberment and disposal of her body parts.
- Nathan and David were tried and convicted, receiving life sentences, with Nathan also convicted of a 2007 sexual assault.
- The trial and the bereavement of Julia's friends and family were exacerbated by the restrictions of the 2019-2020 global events.
Chapter 1
Julia Rossen is introduced as a kind and loving 42-year-old artist and musician from Dudley, UK, with plans to move in with her partner Elaine Higginson.
- Julia Rossen lived in Dudley, UK, and was known for her artistic and musical talents.
- Described as kind and loving, she had been with her partner, Elaine Higginson, for nearly two decades.
- Julia and Elaine planned to move in together, having lived separately after a break in their relationship.
Chapter 2
Julia spends a day with Elaine, but after separating for the evening, Julia accidentally takes the wrong bus, ending up at a local pub where she was last seen alive.
- On May 11, 2019, Julia spent the day with Elaine in Wolverhampton, where they had drinks.
- Elaine wanted to go home, but Julia decided to visit friends in Birmingham, resulting in them parting ways.
- Julia boarded the wrong bus and returned to Dudley, deciding to continue her night at the Bottle and Cork pub.
Chapter 3
After Julia's last messages and calls with Elaine, her subsequent disappearance prompts a search and a report to the police.
- Julia texted Elaine about her location and they communicated throughout the evening before Elaine went to bed.
- The next morning, Elaine received no response from Julia, and after hours of no contact, she began to panic.
- Elaine and Julia's friends and family searched for her and reported her missing on May 14.
Chapter 4
Police investigate Julia's disappearance, collecting CCTV footage and eventually arresting Nathan Maynard-Ellis and David Leesley.
- Social media appeals and CCTV footage from the pub led to the identification of a person of interest seen with Julia.
- Nathan Maynard-Ellis, seen leaving with Julia, was arrested along with his partner, David Leesley, after being spotted by a security guard.
- Their home, filled with horror paraphernalia and weapons, raised suspicions, leading to the discovery of newspaper clippings of killers and horror films.
Chapter 5
Evidence mounts against Nathan and David, revealing their dark interests and Nathan's history of violent fantasies and mental health issues.
- A friend informed the police of Nathan's violent tendencies and fantasies about harming and killing women.
- Nathan's interest in forensics and horror was coupled with his history of mental health issues.
- Despite Nathan's initial denial, further evidence, including Julia's nickname written on a napkin in their home, linked him to the crime.
Chapter 6
Julia's body parts are discovered in separate bags after a search, with CCTV footage showing Nathan and David disposing of evidence.
- Further CCTV footage showed Nathan and David with bags near a canal and disposing of a sofa and carpet at a tip.
- A thorough search of the canal and surrounding areas led to the discovery of Julia's body parts, which had been cut into 11 pieces.
- Evidence indicated that both Nathan and David were involved in the dismemberment, with Nathan's professional cutting techniques and David's amateurish cuts.
Chapter 7
Nathan and David change their story during the trial, but evidence leads to their life sentences for the murder and dismemberment of Julia.
- Initially denying knowledge of Julia, Nathan and David changed their story to claim her death was an accident.
- Evidence presented at trial suggested possible cannibalism, although this was not proven.
- Nathan and David were sentenced to life in prison, with Nathan also convicted of a 2007 sexual assault.
Chapter 8
Friends and family remember Julia as 'sunshine', with her loss made more poignant by their inability to attend her funeral due to global events.
- Julia's friends and family struggled to cope with her murder and were further distressed by their inability to attend her funeral.
- Julia is remembered as 'sunshine', a testament to her positive impact on those who knew her.