The family of Melanie Hall, who was murdered after vanishing from a Bath nightclub 30 years ago, have said they still hope her killer may be found – but felt time was running out – as police launched a fresh appeal for information.
Melanie's father, Steve Hall, said: 'You always think in the early days there's going to be a quick resolution. That's not been the case but we travel in hope. I hope I live long enough to see a conclusion.' He said seeing Melanie's killer in court would not bring closure. 'The only closure I'd get is if Melanie walked through that door.'
Melanie's older sister, Dominique, said: 'Thirty years is a long time. She's been gone longer than she was alive. It's like a feeling of time ticking on. Dad's 82 and I'm not far off 60, and I hope we get the answers that we need and the justice for her while we're still able to. I feel like we're running out of time.'
The family showed Melanie's bedroom, largely untouched, as part of the fresh appeal. Her soft toys still lie on the bed and her books are on the shelves. The family said Melanie's mother, Patricia, had advanced dementia. Dominique said: 'She's not going to get any of the answers she needed. It's really down to me and Dad now to speak for Melanie and to speak on behalf of my mum as well.'
Melanie, 25, was last seen in the early hours of 9 June 1996 at the former Cadillacs nightclub in Walcot Street, Bath. Her remains were found at the side of the M5 motorway, north of the city, in 2009. To mark the 30th anniversary, Avon and Somerset police's 'Justice for Melanie' campaign is designed to transport people back to the weekend of her disappearance to try to trigger memories. It was the era of Cool Britannia and on the night Melanie disappeared, England drew 1-1 with Switzerland in their opening Euro 96 match, with Alan Shearer scoring.
Appealing to people to think back, the lead investigator, DCI Ben Lavender, said: 'Just one small detail or memory could prove to be a huge breakthrough and solve Melanie's murder.' Steve Hall said he hoped someone might come forward with fresh information. 'It may be someone is dying, and they want to make a confession. Maybe someone is suddenly falling out with their partner and no longer wants to protect them.' Dominique added: 'I maybe would appeal to a mum or a sister out there that might have a doubt about a male person in their life – think about what my mum's been through and have some compassion.'
