A POLICE search continues for the body of a man who was murdered in Evesham 14 years ago as the mans family continue to plead with the public for information.
Jesse Richards, who was 40 at the time of his death, was killed in Cleeve Prior, Evesham, on July, 31 2009 in a ‘merciless’ attack over a drugs debt.
In 2012, five men were jailed in connection with his death and were collectively sentenced to more than 50 years in prison despite his body never being found.
Detectives believe the body was originally taken to Warwickshire where it was hidden, while all of the men previously convicted have now been released from their custodial sentences.
Officers at West Mercia Police are continuing to appeal for information to find Jesse’s body and bring his family some closure.
Detective Sergeant Gareth Evans said: “Despite the time that has passed, we’re still committed to finding Jesse’s body.
“Understandably his family continue to suffer an immeasurable loss made even more difficult by the fact his body has never been found and they have never had the opportunity to properly say goodbye to him.
“Someone out there knows where Jesse is, there is still time to do the right thing and give Jesse’s mother the closure she is desperate for.
Jesse’s mother Lucy Richards has every year appealed for anyone with information to come forward.
She said, “I am not getting any younger and it worries me that I will never be able to properly recover him and be at peace.
“I have added his name to his father’s headstone because that is all I have that I can visit but it’s not the same”.
“His loss is still as raw as it was 14yrs ago but while I and my family will clearly never forget him, not being able to lay him to rest properly increases the pain we face every day.
“I have hoped that someone will have the decency to put me out of my misery and provide enough detail that would allow me to recover and lay him to rest and I must cling on to that hope as it’s all I have”.
“If anyone knows anything no matter how small it may seem, think about me and the rest of his family.”
A £10,000 reward remains on offer for information leading to the successful recover of Jesse’s body.
West Mercia Police have asked anyone with information to contact Det Sgt Gareth Evans on 101 or directly on 07977 068 033. Contact with DS Evans will remain confidential.
Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
