Summary
Name:
Thomas Hamilton McDowellNickname:
Tonto / Tommy The HacksawYears Active:
2002Status:
ImprisonedClass:
MurdererVictims:
1Method:
Strangulation / Post-mortem dismembermentNationality:
United KingdomSummary: Murderer
Name:
Thomas Hamilton McDowellNickname:
Tonto / Tommy The HacksawStatus:
ImprisonedVictims:
1Method:
Strangulation / Post-mortem dismembermentNationality:
United KingdomYears Active:
2002Date Convicted:
September 30, 2004Thomas Hamilton McDowell was born in 1977 in Ballymena. He later moved to London as an adult.
During his trial, evidence showed that McDowell had suffered serious childhood abuse and later developed a severe personality disorder. He also experienced periods of homelessness, drug misuse, and mental health problems.
On July 3, 2002, Thomas Hamilton McDowell met Andreas Jonathan Hinz in Camden, North London. After meeting, the two men went to McDowell’s flat.
Inside the flat, McDowell killed Hinz by strangulation. After the killing, he cut up the body with tools, including a saw. The remains were placed in black bags and dumped in the St Pancras Way area of Camden. Police began a murder investigation after the bags were discovered.
About ten days later, detectives arrested McDowell. During the trial, he admitted causing Hinz’s death but claimed diminished responsibility because of mental disorder. Prosecutors argued that the murder was planned and deliberate.
The case was heard at Southwark Crown Court in 2004. The jury rejected the manslaughter defense and found McDowell guilty of murder.
On September 30, 2004, he was given a whole life sentence, meaning he could remain in prison for the rest of his life. He was then sent to Rampton Hospital to begin serving his sentence in a high-security unit.
