A MOTHER has issued an emotional plea 10 years on from her son Jesse Richards being killed by a Coventry gang – with his body still missing.
The 40-year-old, originally from Gloucester, was killed in a merciless and sustained attack over a drugs debt in Cleeve Prior, Evesham, on July 31, 2009.
And now West Mercia Police detectives are urging anyone with information to come forward and help trace his body.
His mother Lucy Richards has called for information and spoken of the terrible pain of not being able to lay her son to rest.
In 2012, five men – including three from Coventry – were jailed in connection with Jesse’s death.
Detectives believe the body was originally taken to Warwickshire where it was hidden.
Searches took place at a site near Corley as recently as May last year but nothing of significance was found.
A £10,000 reward is still available for information leading to the successful discovery of Jesse’s body.
Ms Richards said: “Jesse would be 50 years old now and, although I know nothing will bring my son back to me, I appeal to the public and ask they put themselves in my shoes and please get in touch with police if you have any information at all.
“My son was taken from me in the most violent way and, ten years on, I have still not been able to lay his body to rest.
“I don’t know where he is and the pain of not being able to visit his resting place is too much to bear.”
Detective superintendent Mark Loader said: “It is now the tenth anniversary of Jesse’s death and the investigation into the whereabouts of his body remains very much open.
“Although his killers were brought to justice for their crimes, his family continues to suffer.
“We know some individuals have information, which could lead us to Jesse’s body, and are still choosing not to come forward.
“I appeal to them, their families or associates who may have that knowledge, to consider the pain Jesse’s family continue to suffer long after his death and ask them to reconsider contacting police or Crimestoppers anonymously.
“It is time Jesse’s family laid him to rest.”
In 2012, Kevin John Huston, 50, of Longford Road, Coventry, pleaded guilty to Jesse’s manslaughter and obstructing a coroner and was jailed for 19 years.
James Doe, 38, of Broomfield Road, Coventry, admitted manslaughter and blackmail and got 18-and-a-half years.
Matthew Robert Taylor, 29, from Wyken Way, Coventry, was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 13 years.
Joseph Doe, 37, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to assisting an offender and was jailed for four years.
David Butler, 26, from Drift Way, Colnbrook, Slough, pleaded guilty to obstructing a coroner and was sentenced to four years.
Anyone with any information should contact West Mercia Police on 101 and ask to speak to DS Gareth Evans, or call him on 07977068033.
Alternatively people can contact Crimestoppers anonymously, where possible using the anonymous two way communication.
