BOURNEMOUTH MAN SENTENCED TO LIFE FOR STUDENT'S MURDER
Alvin Santos, aged 26, has been sentenced to life imprisonment after being convicted of the murder of 16-year-old business student Linda Lietaviete in Bournemouth.The verdict was reached on Friday following a jury’s deliberation, and Santos was sentenced at Winchester Crown Court with a minimum term of 20 years.
The incident occurred on December 12, when Linda was found suffering from seven stab wounds to her chest near Horseshoe Common.
She was partially clothed at the scene.
It emerged that she had planned to meet Santos the night before the attack.
Blood analysis revealed Santos had consumed methylone, a banned drug similar to ecstasy or amphetamines, within the 24 hours preceding her death.
During the trial, CCTV footage was presented, showing Santos and Linda together in the hours leading up to her murder.
Santos confessed to stabbing Linda but claimed he had 'blacked out' during the assault.
His sister, Catherine, contacted authorities after he confided in her about the stabbing and blood was present on his hands.
Detective Inspector Marcus Hester described the attack as 'violent and sustained,' noting Linda’s high regard among her community and expressing sorrow over her loss.
Santos reportedly said he had been drinking and talking to Linda, who was Latvian, but that he became 'furious' when she accused him of an earlier assault in 2010.
The court evidence included CCTV images from the time of the stabbing, during which Santos admitted to the act but claimed amnesia.
Linda’s family voiced their deep grief, highlighting her innocence and promising future, and expressed gratitude towards police, medical staff, and prosecutors.
The case was characterized by Santos’s admission and police evidence pointing to a brutal homicide directly linked to his actions.
