Netflix has added the acclaimed true crime documentary Murder of the Essex Boys: Blood and Betrayal to its catalogue, re-examining the 1995 triple murder of three drug gang members in Rettendon, Essex. The documentary originally aired on Channel 4 in 2023.
The series explores the killings of Craig Rolfe, Tony Tucker, and Pat Tate, who were found dead in a Range Rover on a quiet country lane on 6 December 1995, each shot at close range with a shotgun. The three were known as part of the 'Essex Boys' drug gang, leading to numerous conspiracy theories.
Investigation and Convictions
Essex Police, led by detective superintendent Ian Dibley, initially pursued the theory of gangland reprisal. Although the victims had never been convicted of drug offences, police intelligence indicated they were well-known dealers. They had prior convictions for armed robbery, vehicle theft, and other offences. An attempt had been made on Tate's life the year before when he was shot at his Basildon home.
Over two years after the murders, Jack Whomes and Michael Steele were convicted of murder and sentenced to three life terms with a minimum of 15 years. The trial lasted more than four months. The convictions were referred to the Court of Appeal three times and rejected each time.
Where Are the Killers Now?
Whomes had his sentence reduced in 2018 and was released from prison three years later. Steele, now in his 80s and from Great Bentley, Essex, remains in prison after his last Parole Board hearing last year.
