Merseyside Police have issued a fresh appeal for information over the murder of Julie Finley, 23, who was found strangled in a field 32 years ago. The force believes some people may not have come forward at the time out of "loyalty or fear".
The discovery
Ms Finley's naked body was dumped in a carrot field near the Rainford bypass, north-west of St Helens. A cyclist found her at lunchtime on August 6, after she was last seen alive at about 11pm the previous night at the back of the Royal Liverpool University Hospital, talking to an unknown white man of average height and build, aged in his 20s or 30s.
Police appeal
Detective Inspector Sam Davies from the major incident team said: "It is 32 years since Julie was murdered but the investigation into her death remains ongoing. We know that back in 1994 people may have had information about Julie’s death which, either through loyalty or fear, they didn’t bring to our attention."
He added: "My message would be it is never too late to do the right thing and tell us what you know, no matter how small. One piece of information could be key to solving the case and bringing the person responsible to justice."
Witness account
A witness at the time reported seeing a young woman matching the victim’s description arguing with a man at about 12.30am on August 6 outside the Wheatsheaf public house in Rainford, just 50 yards from where her body was found hours later. The man was reportedly attempting to force the woman into a white transit van.
Family's plea
In 2014, Ms Finley’s elderly parents released childhood photographs in a bid to appeal to anyone withholding information. Her mother said: "Albie and I have been put through 20 years of hell and torment and Julie’s sudden and tragic loss has affected the whole family. It’s difficult to explain what the last 20 years have been like, but for me I still feel like it’s 1994 and I’m constantly waiting for Julie to come through the door, but she never does and never will."
Police say they "remain committed" to helping Ms Finley’s family get justice. Anyone with information is asked to message @MerPolCC, call 101, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
