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

Echo:

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

Echo: Albert WilliamsAlbert Williams (Image: Essex Police)

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

Echo: Dennis PetkovDennis Petkov (Image: Essex Police)

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

Echo: Nicola RayNicola Ray (Image: Essex Police)

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

Echo: Ron FullerRon Fuller (Image: Essex Police)

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

Echo: John PalmerJohn Palmer (Image: Essex Police)

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.