Further bid to find Jesse as grieving mum speaks out on 13th anniversary of his death - The Evesham Observer

Further bid to find Jesse as grieving mum speaks out on 13th anniversary of his death

Evesham Editorial 1st Aug, 2022   0

A GRIEVING mum has once again urged those with information on the whereabouts of her son’s body to come forward.

Speaking on the 13th anniversary of the death of Jesse Richards in Cleeve Prior, his mum Lucy Richards has continued her tireless bid to help trace his body.

Jesse, who was originally from Gloucester, was killed in a sustained and brutal attack over a drugs debt on July 31, 2009.

In 2012, five men were jailed in connection with his death and were collectively sentenced to more than 50 years in prison




Despite bringing those responsible to justice, Jesse’s body has never been found and detectives hope the local community will come forward with information.

His family continue to hope Jesse will be found and his mother Lucy has reiterated her appeal for anyone with information to come forward.


She said: “Some time has now passed since the death of my Jesse, but I still hope one day lay him to rest so he can finally be at peace. Our family will never forget Jesse, and his loss remains as raw today as it was 13 years ago.

“The main offender prosecuted has recently been released and this has brought the overwhelming feeling of unfairness flooding back, my Jesse will never come back.

“Please, if anyone knows anything, no matter how small it may seem, get in touch with the police and help us to find Jesse.”

Detectives believe the body was originally taken to Warwickshire where it was hidden.

Detective Sergeant Gareth Evans said: “A number of people responsible for Jesse’s death were convicted of manslaughter however 13 years on, his body has not yet been found.

“Jesse’s mother has lived all this time without being able to lay her son to rest, and she deserves to be given the opportunity to do so.

“We are committed to finding Jesse, and strongly believe that someone out there has information that will help us.

“There is still time to do the right thing and give Jesse’s mother the closure she desperately deserves.”

A £10,000 reward is still available for information leading to the successful discovery of Jesse’s body.

Anyone with any information that could help the searches is urged to contact West Mercia Police on 101 and ask to speak to Det Sgt Gareth Evans. Or you can call him directly on 07977 068 033.

DS Evans is keen to stress any contact will remain confidential but there is obviously a benefit in being able to discuss the information.

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