Debbie Turrell, the sister of murdered schoolboy John Greenwood, has made a fresh plea for justice on the 46th anniversary of his death. She said this time of year was "always difficult" for both families as they continue to live with the grief and unanswered questions surrounding the murders of John and his friend Gary Miller.
Murders in 1980
The two 11-year-old boys were murdered on August 16, 1980, after spending the day together during their summer holidays. John had been to Gary's home on Raleigh Avenue for tea before the pair went to play at an old colliery tip off Pottery Lane, in Whiston, at around 7pm.
Just 15 minutes later, a dog walker discovered the boys after they had been brutally attacked and left covered by a mattress. Both were taken to Whiston Hospital but died from their injuries.
Case reviews and apology
The murders shocked the community and remain unsolved, despite an original prosecution and subsequent reviews of the case. A Prescot man stood trial at Liverpool Crown Court in connection with the boys' murders in 1981 but was acquitted. The case was subsequently reviewed by Merseyside Police.
In 2016, the families pushed for the investigation to be reinvestigated after a Facebook campaign resulted in new witnesses coming forward, including people who had not spoken to detectives during the original investigation. Merseyside Police later submitted a file containing new evidence to the Director of Public Prosecutions. However, in 2019 the DPP decided not to authorise the next steps of the investigation based on the evidence contained in the file at that time. The DPP indicated that the decision could be reconsidered if a future investigation produced sufficient compelling new evidence.
That same year, then Merseyside Police Chief Constable Andy Cooke apologised to John and Gary's families, saying the original investigation had not been as thorough as it could have been or in line with the standards expected of policing today.
Family's continuing campaign
Debbie, who was just two years old when her brother was killed, has spent much of her life campaigning for answers. In a new statement issued to the ECHO, she said: "This time of year is always difficult for both families. Leading up to the anniversary of the boys' murders intensifies the feelings that we carry around every day. Grief, loss, anger, frustration and a deep sadness.
"John and Gary were two young children enjoying their summer holidays. Two boys, full of fun, and with their whole lives ahead of them."
Debbie made a direct appeal to anyone who may have information about what happened to the two boys. She added: "I appeal, again, to anyone with information about the murders to contact the police. Do the right thing."
Police response and contact details
The force said it remained committed to finding those responsible. Detective Chief Inspector Graeme Osborne said: "Forty six years have now passed since the murders of John Greenwood and Gary Miller.
"We know that during that time people living in the area will have moved on, moved away and even started their own families but John and Gary’s family still have to live with their loss.
"No family should have to go through what they have been through and not get the justice they deserve.
"Our plea remains the same - if you have information and haven’t yet come forward then please do so.
"It is never too late to do the right thing and any piece of information we receive, either directly or anonymously, will be looked into."
Anyone with any piece of information which could help the investigation, no matter how small, is asked to contact police via social media at @MerPolCC, call 101, or alternatively call the independent Crimestoppers hotline, anonymously on 0800 555 111.
