Trevor Dunkley, 66, has been charged with the murder of Patricia Lashley, a mother-of-seven who disappeared from her flat in Dudley nearly 30 years ago. West Midlands Police announced the charge on Thursday, July 9, 2026, stating that Dunkley was remanded into custody to appear at Wolverhampton Crown Court on Monday.
Disappearance in 1998
Patricia Lashley, also known as Pat, Jade, Vanessa, or Tricia, and sometimes using the surname Bradford, was 33 when she was last seen at her flat on Hall Street, Dudley, in September 1998. She was known to have connections to Newcastle, London, Wales, and Scotland. Police said she moved to Dudley in the mid-1990s and frequented the No Limits club and other pubs in the area. It is understood she and Trevor Dunkley knew each other.
Police appeal for information
Detective Inspector Michelle Cordell urged anyone who knew or remembered meeting Patricia Lashley or Trevor Dunkley to come forward. “We know she was fairly well-known in both Dudley town centre and Oldbury,” Cordell said. “If anyone remembers anything or thinks they have any information which could help with our inquiries, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Even if you already spoke to us at the time Patricia went missing, we still want to hear from you as we gather as much information as we can to help her family find some closure after nearly 30 years.”
Officers are supporting Ms Lashley’s family and have appealed for more information from anyone who knew her at the time of her disappearance. Anyone with information can call 101 quoting log 3984 of July 7.
