Minnesota detectives’ routine surveillance of crime-ridden chat rooms led to the arrest and conviction of a British man who plotted to stalk and kill popular British TV personality Holly Willoughby.
In October 2023, detectives were investigating online chats via Kik, an instant messaging app that allows people to remain anonymous, called “Abduct Lovers,” which uncovered a violent plot by 37-year-old Gavin Plumb, who used the alias David Nelson, to kidnap and murder Willoughby.
“This job requires creativity in participating in online chats and building rapport, as well as a willingness to maintain an online presence,” Owatonna Police Chief Jeff Mandale told Fox News Digital. “These online investigations are just a part of this detective’s regular work, but it was his strong will and interest in conducting undercover investigations across various social media platforms that led to this case being uncovered.”
Mandale noted that detectives’ work mainly involves sex trafficking cases involving minors, as well as rape solicitations and illegal firearms transactions.
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Gavin Plumb, 37, was found guilty of plotting to kidnap and murder British television presenter Holly Willoughby. (Essex Police)
“Realizing that Willoughby was in immediate danger, detectives notified the FBI, who in turn contacted the Metropolitan Police and Essex Police,” Mandale said. “The coordination and swift action by law enforcement officials from both countries is a testament to the seriousness of this situation and the effective teamwork that this case demonstrates.”
“The great work of our detectives and the impact he has had on saving lives and preventing future victims is immeasurable.”
Police officers in Minnesota uncovered plans the defendants had discussed in online chat rooms to kill Willoughby of Plumb. (Dave J. Hogan)
According to a press release, British authorities thanked Minnesota state troopers for their undercover work after Plumb, of Pottersfield, Harlow, was convicted on July 4 of soliciting the murder of Willoughby, encouraging or aiding in the commission of a kidnapping and encouraging or aiding in the commission of a rape.
Speaking at a July 4 press conference, Essex Detective Chief Inspector Greg Wood described Plumb as a “dangerous, predatory individual with the intent to inflict the most serious harm on his victims.”
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Speaking at a July 4 press conference, Essex Detective Chief Inspector Greg Wood described Plumb as a “dangerous, predatory individual with the intent to inflict the most serious harm on his victims.” (Essex Police)
“He was not just obsessed with Holly Willoughby, as he claimed, he meticulously planned over a period of several years to abduct her from her home, take her to a secluded location and ultimately carry out a violent attack that took her life,” Mr Wood said.
“He carefully planned over several years to carry out his violent attacks…”
The obsession dates back to 2021, when Plumb conspired with others online to carry out a violent plot.
Owatonna Police Chief Jeff Mandale said he was “proud” of the detectives who helped uncover Plumb’s murder plot. (Handouts)
Police said in a press release that Plumb had conducted “extensive research” to come up with a plan to abduct Willoughby from her home.
The defendants also purchased items to aid in the commission of the crimes, including metal cable ties, rope and chloroform.
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Gavin Plumb’s obsession with Willoughby began in 2021, police said. (Joe Maher/WireImage)
During Plumb’s multiple online discussions in October 2023, he was unaware that one of the users he was communicating his plans to was a detective in Minnesota who ultimately reported him to British authorities.
Essex Police said Plumb had previous convictions for false imprisonment and attempted abduction of women, including two 16-year-old girls.
Essex Police said Plumb had previous convictions for false imprisonment and attempted abduction of women, including two 16-year-old girls. (Essex Police)
“Today we are extremely grateful to our colleagues in law enforcement across the United States, who not only brought Gavin to our attention but also helped us gather the key evidence that secured his conviction,” Wood added.
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During the eight-day trial, Plumb testified that the entire murder plot was a “fantasy” and a “very unfortunate” mistake, and admitted to spending 99.9% of his time online. Guardian.
A jury at Chelmsford Crown Court found Mr Plumb guilty after hearing the evidence against him. (Nicholas Economou/NurPhoto)
Either way, a jury in Chelmsford Crown Court found Plum guilty earlier this month after hearing the evidence against him, including evidence that Owatonna police officers helped collect.
Following the conviction, Essex Police released video of Plumb’s initial arrest.
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In the video, as police confront Plum about the allegations, he can be heard saying, “I’m not going to lie. She’s my fantasy.”
In a statement after Plumb’s conviction, Mr Willoughby said he would be “forever grateful to the undercover officers who realised the imminent threat and to the Metropolitan and Essex Police for their swift response.” (Lucy North/PA Images)
Willoughby, a former TV presenter on This Morning and Dancing on Ice, said in a statement after Plumb’s conviction that she would be “forever grateful to the undercover officers who realised the immediate threat and to the Metropolitan and Essex Police for their swift response.”
“As women, we should not feel insecure in our daily lives and at home.”
Mandale said the Owatonna Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division is “using online platforms to monitor and gather intelligence on criminal activity and conversations.”
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“These investigations have no geographic boundaries and typically extend to other states and countries,” Mandale explained. “These undercover investigations are conducted across a variety of evolving social media platforms in search of criminally minded individuals seeking to traffic minors or solicit rape and murder.”
