Almost four years on from his disappearance, the mother of murder victim Jesse Richards has spoken of her heartbreak at the fact that his body has still not been found.
On Friday 18 April 2012, five men were jailed for more than 58 years in connection with the death of Mr Richards, who went missing on Friday 31July 2009 after travelling to Cleeve Prior near Evesham from a business meeting in Sheffield.
Murder victim Jesse Richards disappeared four years ago. His body has not been found.Although a number of men have been convicted as a result of this investigation, the body of Mr Richards – who was a 41-year-old man living with his wife and three children in Surrey when he went missing – has never been found and this means there has been no real closure for his family.
Speaking earlier today, Jesse’s mother appealed for information from the public that could finally bring his body home and the public are reminded that a £10,000 reward is still available for information that leads to the recovery of Jesse.
Speaking about her desire to finally find her son, Jesse’s mother, Lucy Richards, said:
“I have worn black since Jesse was taken and will continue as a mark of respect in my constant state of grief.
“I have channelled all of my anger and upset from grief into protecting my 11 grandchildren and three children but four years on my heartache about the loss of Jesse remains as strong as ever.
“My life will never be the same, as you may expect and my sadness drives me to search for Jesse on a daily basis. We have been forced to accept that Jesse was murdered but we cannot mourn for him properly until his body is found.
“I would get on my hands and knees and beg for Jesse back if it would make any difference but all I ask now is that those people that do know where he is finally come forward and let us have that information.”
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Loader, who led the investigation for West Mercia Police, said:
“This was a brutal attack on an unarmed, passive, family man over a drugs debt.
“We were very pleased a number of men were convicted of this terrible crime but we still need to find Jesse’s body as his family cannot have a funeral and lay him to rest until we do.
“We would once again appeal to the public for any information which may help us locate Jesse and also remind people that the £10,000 police reward remains on offer. There are people out there who know where Jesse’s body is so I’d like to implore them to come forward.
“Jesse’s children need to have closure and peace of mind so if you do know where his body please do contact us with that information.”
Anyone with information for West Mercia Police about where the body of Jesse Richards is should ring the 101 non emergency number or independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Issued: Wednesday 24 July, 2013