The murder of the Earl of Shaftesbury
The Earl of Shaftesbury’s murder is a crime chock-full of scandal, greed, and the kind of twists and turns worthy of a Hollywood movie. The crime was far from fiction though, and the reality of the situation is a grim and dark affair.
The events that led to the Earl’s death – and his death itself – occurred just over 20 years, but they still tell a shocking tale to this day. In November 2004, the Earl disappeared without a trace while in France.
His body was finally found five months later in the French Alps foothills. The following investigations led to the discovery of a chilling murder that came from none other than the Earl’s own family.
Join us here at Crime+Investigation as we unravel the disturbing and dramatic story of the murder of the Earl of Shaftesbury.
Who was the Earl of Shaftesbury?
In England, the title of the Earl of Shaftesbury is a hereditary peerage title. The Earl of Shaftesbury title was specifically created in 1672. The first Earl of Shaftesbury was politician Anthony Ashley-Cooper.
The 10th Earl of Shaftesbury shared the same name with the first, Antony Ashley-Cooper, and he was born on 22nd May 1938. He took on the Earl title in 1961.
In his early life, Shaftesbury was a pretty standard member of the British aristocracy. However, as he got older, his life took a more extravagant turn.
The descent into decadence
After the death of his mother in 1999, the Earl moved to France and became embroiled in a luxurious lifestyle. His sister stated that he was devastated following their mother's passing. His son called his father a 'gentle soul' who fell into the depths of depression and alcohol.
The Earl started to become known for enjoying the decadent aspects of noble life. He attended extravagant parties and nightclubs constantly. His previous life at his Dorset estate was long forgotten.
Marriage to Jamila M’Barek
In late 2001, the Earl met escort and former Playboy model, Jamila M’Barek. M’Barek was born in France to a Moroccan father and Tunisian mother. She’d had a tumultuous upbringing plagued with abuse from an alcoholic father.
While working under the name ‘Sarah’
Much to the chagrin of his family, Shaftesbury became infatuated with M’Barek and the two married on 5th November 2002. However, their relationship began to break down by 2004.
The Earl began the divorce process, which severely threatened the inheritance M’Barek was due to receive. With her financial security in jeopardy, M’Barek and her brother took drastic actions.
The disappearance and murder of the Earl of Shaftesbury
The Earl agreed to meet with Jamila M’Barek in November 2004. He arrived in Nice on 3rd November and the next day he checked into a hotel. He checked out of the hotel on the 5th and was not seen again.
Despite concerns from family and friends, and appeals by the French police, he was not found. The Earl’s constant traveling, often without notifying his loved ones, meant that the search did not have the urgency it should have.
The break in the case came after M’Barek had a breakdown and was admitted to a psychiatric hospital in February 2005. She confessed to involvement in her husband’s death.
In a police interview, she said her brother Mohammed M’Barek had beaten the Earl to death in her Cannes flat during an argument over her inheritance. She said she did not know where his body was, and her brother denied any knowledge or involvement
Another development occurred when the Earl’s mobile phone signal was discovered by investigators. This analysis led them to an area close to Théoule-sur-Mer. The search continued in this area. Two days later, on 7th April 2005, the Earl’s decomposed remains were finally found in a remote ravine in the French Alps.
The charges and verdict
Both the M’Barek siblings faced charges in relation to the Earl’s murder. Jamila was charged with complicity in premeditated murder. Mohammed received charges of premeditated murder.
The two were found guilty on 25th May 2007, with both receiving a prison sentence of 25 years. Jamila’s sentence was reduced to 20 years following an appeal and she was later released in 2016 due to good behaviour.
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