The mother of Donna Keogh believes her late husband will never rest in peace until his daughter is finally laid to rest beside him. The 17-year-old Middlesbrough girl vanished in 1998, and her family has endured a torturous wait for answers that has now stretched beyond 28 years.
A murder investigation remains active, yet Donna's body has never been recovered and her killer remains at large. On Monday, 5 October, her mum Shirley Keogh appeared on Crimewatch Live as yet another public appeal for information was launched.
'Never-ending heartache'
"She was a beautiful girl," Shirley told presenter Michelle Ackerley. "She was bubbly, friendly, very outgoing. She had a good circle of friends. She loved life, she did."
"It's been a nightmare, it's been never-ending heartache. The worrying, the grief - every day, every day," she continued. "Every day I talk to Donna in the photographs, tell her how much I love her and miss her."
In July 2025, Donna's father Brian, who had fought tirelessly for answers, passed away without ever learning the truth about what happened to his daughter. Shirley said: "He fought so hard for her. We don't think he'd be at peace because she's not there with him."
"We just need to know where she is so we can lay her to rest with her dad. For dignity for Donna as well. We've needed it the whole time but more so now."
Visibly moved to tears, Chanyce Keogh, Donna's 25-year-old niece, who was seated alongside Shirley, said: "We have missed out on so much, like she has with us. It's upsetting. She's missed so much of our lives."
Last seen in Leeds
Detectives now believe Donna was last seen in Leeds, specifically the Chapeltown area, but have revealed that information suggests she may have subsequently travelled further afield. Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Steve Chatterton told presenter Rav Wilding: "We have had some sighting and corroborations in the Chapeltown area of Leeds - the investigations took us there earlier this year but we then lose track of her really in Leeds."
"We're not sure whether or not - there's some information that suggests she goes to the south west of London, Liverpool has been mentioned or whether she returns home or not. We do lose her in Leeds really."
Earlier this year, two men were arrested in connection with the suspected murder. A 64-year-old man from the Leeds area, arrested on March 31, has been released under investigation; while a 62-year-old man, arrested in the Manchester area on April 7, remains on police bail.
Previous reports had indicated that Donna was last seen at a property on Bow Street in Middlesbrough on April 19, 1998. Donna's parents Brian and Shirley have always maintained that the key to uncovering what happened to their daughter lies with those who were present at the house in Gresham.
Detectives heading the inquiry say that while it may still be "significant", they do not believe it was the last occasion she was seen alive. They confirmed to Teesside Live in March that they are "100% satisfied" that Donna was spotted in central Middlesbrough nine days later on Tuesday, April 28.
Appeal for information
The detectives stressed the importance of making the date of the last confirmed sighting publicly known in terms of gathering evidence. This could encourage people who believe they caught a glimpse of Donna after April 19, but had dismissed the thought, to come forward with that information.
This view was echoed by DCI Chatterton during Monday morning's interview. He added: "In May 1998, so just days after we known Donna is fit and well, Middlesbrough FC gained promotion having played Oxford at home - that should hopefully jog some people's memories back to 1998."
"I appreciate 28 years is a long time," he said. "I think there is someone out there who knows information that can help us find Donna. I'm aware that relationships and associates change in 28 years."
"We just need that one person that has that little bit of a jigsaw that can give us the information that will help us find Donna for her family, that will allow Shirley to have some peace after all these years."
Donna's case forms part of a significant ongoing investigation into historical crimes across Teesside known as Operation Pandect, which has also re-examined the cases of Rachel Wilson and Vicky Glass. Keith Hall is currently serving 18-and-a-half years in prison for the manslaughter of 19-year-old Rachel following his conviction in 2021.
A report by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire Services (HMICFRS) highlighted "poor quality" investigations and shortcomings by the force concerning all three victims. The review observed that the force failed to treat Rachel's or Donna's cases as homicides, even following the tragic discovery of Vicky Glass's body and two further murders of young women - Kellie Louise Mallinson in September 2000 and Sarah Jane Coughlin in August 2003.
A fourth strand of Pandect was anticipated to reveal "substantial" historical child sexual exploitation within the Cleveland Police force area. Donna's case is designated Operation Resolute, with thousands of investigative actions undertaken and statements collected.
A £20,000 reward from Crimestoppers remains available for information leading to the discovery of Donna's body, and anyone whose information results in the conviction of those responsible for her murder could qualify for the reward.
Donna was raised in Middlesbrough and attended Newlands and Sacred Heart Schools. She was employed at Ormesby Care Home and had aspired to join the Royal Navy - continuing the tradition of a proud military family.
Anyone with information on Donna's case is asked to contact Cleveland Police on 101 or they can submit it at mipp.police.uk. Anyone wishing to contact Crimestoppers can do so anonymously online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling 0800 555 111.
