40 Facts About Grace Millane

Grace Millane's story is one of tragedy and heartbreak. Her life, filled with promise and adventure, was cut short in a way that shocked the world. Here are 40 key facts about Grace Millane and the events surrounding her untimely death.

Grace Millane's Early Life and Background

Grace Millane was a young woman with dreams and aspirations. Her background and early life set the stage for her adventurous spirit.

1. Birth and Death: Grace Emmie Rose Millane was born on December 2, 1996, and tragically died on her 22nd birthday in 2018.
2. Background: Hailing from Wickford, Essex, Grace had a close-knit family and a supportive community.
3. Education: She graduated from the University of Lincoln with a bachelor's degree in advertising and marketing, showcasing her creative and ambitious nature.

Grace's Travel Plans and Adventures

Grace embarked on a journey to explore the world, a trip that would sadly be her last.

4. Travel Plans: During her gap year, Grace decided to go on a backpacking tour, starting with six weeks in South America.
5. Arrival in New Zealand: She arrived in New Zealand on November 20, 2018, eager to experience the beauty and culture of the country.

The Fateful Meeting with Jesse Kempson

Grace's encounter with Jesse Kempson marked the beginning of a tragic series of events.

6. Meeting Jesse Kempson: Grace met Jesse Shane Kempson, a 26-year-old man, through a Tinder date on December 1, 2018.
7. Last Seen: She was last seen alive at 9:41 PM on December 1, 2018, with Kempson at the CityLife Hotel in Auckland.

The Investigation and Discovery

The investigation into Grace's disappearance quickly led to shocking discoveries.

8. Disappearance: Grace's friends and family reported her missing on December 2, 2018, after she failed to respond to calls and messages.
9. Investigation: Police launched an investigation, which led to the discovery of her body in the Waitākere Ranges on December 3, 2018.
10. Cause of Death: The cause of death was determined to be strangulation, a horrifying revelation for her loved ones.

The Arrest and Trial of Jesse Kempson

Jesse Kempson's arrest and trial brought to light the details of Grace's final moments.

11. Perpetrator: Jesse Shane Kempson was charged with Grace's murder on December 8, 2018.
12. Suppression Order: Initially, New Zealand courts suppressed Kempson's name until 2020, though some international media outlets published it regardless.
13. Trial: The trial took place at the Auckland High Court in November 2019, where Kempson claimed Grace's death was an accident during consensual sex.
14. Verdict: After a three-week trial, Kempson was found guilty by a unanimous verdict and sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum non-parole period of 17 years.
15. Appeal: Kempson's appeal against his conviction was dismissed by New Zealand's Court of Appeal on December 18, 2020.

Public Reaction and Media Coverage

Grace's murder sparked a significant reaction from the public and media.

16. Public Reaction: The New Zealand public was deeply affected, with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern apologizing to the Millane family.
17. Media Coverage: The case received extensive media coverage, criticized for perpetuating the "missing white woman syndrome."

Grace Millane's Legacy and Impact

Grace's death led to positive changes and initiatives in her memory.

18. Funeral: Hundreds attended Grace's funeral at Brentwood Cathedral in Essex on January 10, 2019.
19. Charity Founded: Grace's mother and cousin founded the charity Love Grace to help women affected by domestic violence.
20. Donations: By December 2023, the charity had donated 15,600 handbags filled with toiletries to victims of abuse.
21. Honors: Gillian Millane and Hannah O'Callaghan were appointed Officers of the Order of the British Empire in the 2024 New Year Honours.

Legal Changes and Campaigns

Grace's case prompted significant legal reforms and awareness campaigns.

22. Legal Changes: New Zealand announced in 2020 that "rough sex" should not be considered a defense to violent crime.
23. Campaigns: The We Can't Consent To This campaign group highlighted the need for stricter laws against such defenses.

Documentaries and Public Awareness

Documentaries and public awareness efforts continue to tell Grace's story.

24. Documentary: "The Murder Of Grace Millane" explores the case and the use of the rough sex defense.
25. Filmmaker's Perspective: Filmmaker Helena Coan aimed to tell Grace's story to highlight the re-victimization of victims through such defenses.

The Evidence and Trial Details

The trial revealed disturbing details about Kempson's actions and behavior.

26. CCTV Footage: The documentary includes CCTV footage showing Grace enjoying herself in New Zealand.
27. Kempson's Actions: After killing Grace, Kempson calmly left the hotel room and purchased a suitcase to bury her body.
28. Jury's Decision: Jurors saw through Kempson's false account and found him guilty.
29. Sentencing: Kempson received a life sentence with a minimum non-parole period of 17 years.

Patterns of Behavior and Public Opinion

Kempson's past behavior and public opinion played a significant role in the case.

30. Pattern of Behavior: Kempson had a history of violence against women, including raping another British tourist eight months before Grace's murder.
31. Detective's Statement: Detective Inspector Scott Beard criticized the rough sex defense for re-victimizing victims and their families.
32. Public Opinion: The case sparked public outcry and highlighted the need for stricter laws and better reporting guidelines.

Media Guidelines and Research Findings

The media's handling of the case and research findings revealed important insights.

33. Media Guidelines: Despite available journalist guidelines, the media often failed to adhere to standards, leading to victim blaming.
34. Research Findings: A study found that journalist guidelines were not widely used, resulting in minimizing sexual violence in media reports.

Social Impact and Legal Reforms

Grace's case had a profound social impact and led to important legal reforms.

35. Social Impact: The case increased awareness about violence against women and the need for better support systems.
36. Legal Reforms: The case contributed to legal reforms in New Zealand, including changes to how "rough sex" is handled in court cases.

International Attention and Family's Reaction

Grace's case received international attention and deeply affected her family.

37. International Attention: The case sparked discussions in many countries about the rough sex defense and the need for stronger laws.
38. Family's Reaction: Grace's parents, David and Gillian Millane, were deeply affected by the trial and the details they had to endure.

Community Reaction and Public Vigils

The community and public showed their support for Grace and her family.

39. Community Reaction: The University of Lincoln expressed deep sadness over Grace's death, and the community supported her family.
40. Public Vigils: Candlelight vigils were held in several locations around New Zealand, and landmarks were lit up in her memory.

Grace Millane's Legacy

Grace Millane's tragic story has left a lasting impact on many. Her murder in New Zealand highlighted the dangers women face and sparked significant changes in legal and social policies. The public outcry led to reforms, including the rejection of the "rough sex" defense in violent crime cases. Grace's family turned their grief into action by founding the charity Love Grace, which supports women affected by domestic violence. Their efforts have helped thousands and raised awareness about the issue. Grace's case also prompted media outlets to rethink how they report on violence against women, aiming to avoid victim blaming. Her legacy is a powerful reminder of the need for continued vigilance and support for victims of violence. Grace Millane's story, though heartbreaking, has inspired positive change and will not be forgotten.