A tragic domestic violence incident has rocked both South Africa and the United States, after Kim White Towne, originally from Parklandsin Cape Town, was found dead in her home in Chantillyin Virginia.
She was 32.
She was allegedly assaulted and killed by her husband, Alexander Towne, who has since been arrested and charged with second-degree murder.
Called law enforcement
The Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) confirmed that the suspect himself called law enforcement to report the assault.
“Officers located Kim White, 32, suffering from trauma to the upper body. She was declared deceased at the scene,” said the FCPD in an official statement.
Investigators believe White Towne was strangled to death, with the couple’s two-year-old son reportedly present in the home at the time of the incident.
The child is now in the care of family members, and victim specialists have been assigned to support the grieving relatives.
Alexander Towne, 32, remained at the scene until authorities arrived. He is currently in custody without bail.
Troubled marriage
Kim White Towne had lived abroad for several years, spending time teaching in San Diego and Dubai, where she met her husband before relocating to Virginia.
While her life appeared outwardly glamorous, her family describes a darker reality of isolation and abuse.
Her brother, Jason White, revealed a disturbing pattern of emotional and physical abuse that reportedly predated the couple’s marriage.
“My mother would be on the phone with her for hours, concerned about her safety. She would be crying on the phone, locked in her room while my mother could hear him banging on her door,” said Jason.
He dismissed claims that Towne’s behaviour could be attributed to PTSD or trauma from military service, stating that Towne had not experienced combat-related trauma.
“I think violence and aggression is his true nature,” he added.
Outpouring of grief and anger
The news of Kim Towne’s death has reverberated across social media, with friends, community members, and South Africans around the world expressing grief and outrage.
“Kim’s passing has left a deep ache in our community. She was one of us. A Saffa sister. A daughter of South Africa,” one tribute read.
“Her story is a chilling reminder that behind closed doors, so many are suffering in silence.”
As the investigation continues, the FCPD Major Crimes Bureau is conducting interviews and processing evidence to determine the full circumstances behind the killing.
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