Various murders in Essex remain unsolved, leaving heartbroken families and dedicated investigators continuing to search for justice.

Countless grieving loved ones are desperate for closure after losing relatives in tragic circumstances.

 

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Albert Williams

In one of the most disturbing cases, Albert Williams, 67, was found dead in his small flat in Cedar Close, Southend, on August 8, 2015.

Mr Williams 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.

They were said to have exploited his vulnerabilities and targeted him because of it, kicking and punching him taking a box containing £2,000.


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Nicola Ray

In a hugely sad missing person case, mum-of-two Nicola Ray, 30, disappeared following a night out with friends in the early hours of May 2, 2000.

She was last seen in Basildon but was never seen again after that night.

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Ladi Benson

Ladi Benson Shop owner Ladi Benson, 27, was stabbed to death in Chelmsford in November 2015. He was from Westcliff.

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 have refused to cooperate with the police.

As a result, they have not been able to follow lines of enquiry and his killer has never been identified.

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Andrea Daly

Mrs Daly was killed in an arson attack at her home in Rochford Road, Southend, in 2005.

She and her two sons were asleep when a fire was started deliberately and posted through the letterbox of her front door on November 10.

Richard and Stuart, then aged 20 and 17, were forced to jump from a first-floor window.

But Andrea, 40, became trapped in her bedroom and died as a result of inhaling smoke.

Extensive enquiries have been carried out to try and find those responsible. But despite these efforts, they remain at large and their motives for starting the fire are unknown.

A further appeal for information was made in 2015, on the tenth anniversary of her death, and again in 2017. The killer has still not come forward or been found.

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Stuart Lubbock

In a very high profile case, Mr Lubbock, 31, of Harlow, was found unconcious at Barrymore’s home in nearby Roydon on March 31, 2001.

He was found in a swimming pool following a party and later died in hospital.

An inquest into Mr Lubbock's death held in September 2002 recorded an open verdict. 

Medical experts told the hearing that he had suffered severe internal injuries, suggesting he may have been the victim of a serious sexual assault.

Alcohol, cocaine and Ecstasy were also found in his system.

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