SOLVING a murder is no easy task, and many cases from across south Essex remain open and unsolved to this day.
Not knowing what happened to their loves ones is heart-wrenching for the victims’ families.
The lack of closure is devastating for them.
In today’s Echo, we take a look at some of the highest profile unsolved cases.
- Ladi Benson – Killed November 10, 2015
Shop owner Ladi Benson, 27, of Westcliff, was stabbed to death in Chelmsford.
The father-of-two ran a shoe and clothes shop called Numero 88, based in Princes Street.
An inquest held into his death in 2016 heard his friends refused to cooperate with the police.
- Albert Williams – Killed August 8, 2015
Mr Williams was found dead in his small flat in Cedar Close, Southend.
In what was a disturbing killing, the 67-year-old had been stamped on, strangled and set on fire.
Two men - Simon Smith, of no fixed address; and Anthony Smith, of Ceylon Road, Westcliff – were cleared of his murder in December 2016.
However, they were jailed for eight-and-a-half-years each for a violent burglary at his home seven days before his death.
- Dennis Petkov – Killed March 11, 2017
Bulgarian national Denis Petkov died from a single stab wound to his neck in East Hanningfield Road, Rettendon.
A 39-year-old man was charged with his murder, but the case was dropped due to lack of evidence.
The 19-year-old victim’s family said at the time of his inquest that they had “no faith” in the justice system.
- Nicola Ray – Disappeared May 2, 2000
In a hugely sad missing person case, mum-of-two Nicola Ray, 30, disappeared following a night out in Basildon with friends.
A 47-year-old man was arrested but never charged in relation to her death.
- Ron Fuller – Killed August 29, 2000
Mr Fuller, 30, was killed in a fatal drive-by shooting by a lone motorcyclist as he left his house in Parkside, Grays, at 7.45am.
Mr Fuller had been working as a doorman at Epping Forest Country Club and had been arrested for public order offences.
- John Palmer - Killed June 24, 2015
John Palmer, nicknamed Goldfinger due to his links to the £26m Brink’s-Mat gold bullion robbery at Heathrow in 1983, was shot at his South Weald home.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel