It has been 16 years since the death of Jesse Richards in 2009, and West Mercia detectives are still as committed today as they were 16 years ago to find his body.
They are urging anyone with any information or who knows where his body is to make contact and not rely on someone else doing so. No matter how insignificant the information seems, please come forward and pass it on.
Jesse was killed in Cleeve Prior, Evesham, on 31stJuly 2009 in a violent attack over a drugs debt. It is now 16 years on, and the only people left suffering are his family who were not involved but nonetheless have lost a close family member.
It is accepted that Jesse may have himself been involved with some criminality, but his family did not.
His mother Lucy Richards remains resolute that for as long as she is alive, she will hold out with the hope that he will be located and that she will finally be able to lay him to rest.
Jesse would now have been 56 and his mother Lucy Richards is all too aware that time is ticking but she isn’t the only one left behind by Jesse – he also left brothers, a sister and children of his own.
Anyone involved in his death would also now be 16 years older and facing different circumstances themselves. She still lives with the ever-desperate hope that someone will grant her overwhelming desire and identify where his remains could be recovered from.
Anniversary appeal – Jess Richards
In 2012, five men were jailed in connection with his death and were collectively sentenced to more than 50 years in prison despite his body never being found however 16yrs on they have all since been released.
Detectives believe the body was originally taken to Warwickshire where it was hidden.
T/Detective Inspector Gareth Evans said: ”Despite the time that has passed, the desire to assist in the recovery of Jesse Richards remains strong because it’s the right thing to do.
“It’s said that a parent should not outlive their child but to have them taken with no further trace is a living nightmare Lucy Richards must live with every day.
“All those convicted of involvement in Jesse’s death have since been released from their custodial sentences, Jesse’s family still live with their loss and inability to put him to rest.
“While circumstances have changed for them, they could also have changed for others involved or perhaps for their families, yet nothing changes for Lucy Richards. Someone knows what happened to Jesse and where he is.
“By not coming forward, you are depriving a family of the closure they so need and desire.”
He added 16 years on things change, allegiances change, those involved may have moved on themselves.
It’s been far too long for Lucy Richards and her family, before it is too late, we would implore anyone with any information – no matter how insignificant you may feel it is -to come forward and allow Jesse’s mother to find her peace.
Lucy has every year appealed for anyone with information to come forward and again prays that this time the outcome will be different.
She said: “Let’s not beat around the bush, 16 years since the death of my son, every year I get older, my time shortens and the likelihood of me ever recovering Jesse lessens.
“Never having recovered him and my time running out is the living nightmare I face every day. I make this appeal to anyone with any humanity to put an end to my suffering.
“If you know anything and have a shred of decency, please, come forward. If that’s not enough, the Police have confirmed to me that the reward of £10,000 leading to the recovery of his body is still available.”
She went on to say: “After 16 years the pain doesn’t lessen, it increases with the likelihood that I may never recover my Jesse.
“I know that while I get older, so too does anyone who knows where Jesse is. I plead with anyone who knows anything, please help me recover him before it is too late for me or you.
“As before I would again re-iterate my previous plea that if anyone knows anything no matter how small it may seem, think about me, think about the rest of his family, think how you would feel if you were me and please, get in touch with the police.”
Anyone with any information that could help the searches is urged to contact West Mercia Police on 101 and ask to speak to T/Detective Inspector Gareth Evans.
Or you can call him directly on 07977 068 033. T/DI Evans is keen to stress that any contact will remain confidential but there is obviously a benefit in him being able to discuss the information.
If you prefer you can provide information online here or alternatively, if you have information but don’t feel comfortable speaking to police, you can speak to the independent charity Crimestoppers.
It is 100% anonymous, they never ask your name, and they cannot trace your call or IP address. You can contact them online or by calling 0800 555 111.
