Twenty years after the death of Dean Jeffrey, one of Bristol's longest-running unsolved murder cases remains open, with his family and community still awaiting answers and justice.
Dean Jeffrey was attacked on the evening of September 21, 2006, while walking home from a shop in Eastville, where he had bought a bottle of cider for his 38th birthday the next day. He managed to stagger back to his home in Ridgeway Parade, bleeding heavily from his head, nose and mouth, but lapsed into unconsciousness before he could tell his partner what had happened. He died a week later, on September 28, after being in a coma.
Investigation and appeals
Police launched a murder inquiry following his death. A large-scale operation saw 25 detectives, uniformed officers and PCSOs take to the streets, stopping people along Fishponds Road to ask if they had seen anything. Police also released a picture of the blood-stained jacket Dean was wearing at the time.
Det Insp Simon Crisp, who led the investigation at the time, said he was 'convinced' the attack must have been witnessed. "It is a shocking incident, as this attack happened virtually on his own doorstep," he said. "We are determined to get to the bottom of this. Many people knew Mr Jeffrey around here and someone knows something."
Family's tribute
Dean's partner, Debbie Dyer, left a floral tribute at the scene, writing: "Did you know that God above created you for me to have. I picked you out from all the rest cuz I knew I'd love you... you had a heart so warm and true and now it's gone from me."
His sister, Karen Jeffrey-Worlock, told the Bristol Post: "Whoever did this will get their comeuppance. I can't put into words how much he is going to be missed. Our mother doesn't feel like she can carry on anymore and his children and partner are totally devastated. His youngest son collapsed to his knees when he heard his dad was dead."
No arrests
Despite extensive appeals, including a reconstruction of Dean's walk, no one has been charged. Four people seen near the scene shortly after the attack were never traced, and a man at a nearby bus stop also remains unidentified. Seven people have been arrested over the years, but all were released without charge.
On the tenth anniversary in 2016, Det Sgt Pete Frake said the case would never be closed. "Unsolved murder cases are never closed," he said. "They are subject to regular reviews to check whether new techniques, such as advances in DNA technology, can be used to generate further lines of inquiry."
Anyone with information can contact DS Frake or his team on 101, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
