by They were two 11-year-old boys enjoying a fun day out together. But for John Greenwood and Gary Miller, an adventure to the top turned into a nightmare.
The boys were found dead by a dog walker after being brutally beaten, before being thrown out under a mattress in Whiston, Merseyside. To this day, no one has ever been convicted of their murder.
Their families are still fighting for justice in their name, 44 years after they were found dead, reports the Liverpool Echo. On August 16, 1980, the boys were taken to Whiston Hospital but died from their injuries. Seán and Gary had spent the day together, and Seán had eaten dinner at Gary’s house in Raleigh Avenue.
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Quickly, detectives were on the scene and found a prime suspect who they believed had committed the heinous acts. A man from nearby Prescot stood trial but was acquitted by a jury at Liverpool Crown Court.
Debbie Turrell, John Greenwood’s sister, was only two years old when he was killed. She continued to fight for justice for her brother and her friend, and she wants to shed light on the terrible situation on his anniversary.
The 46-year-old said: “I don’t have my own memories of Sean, so my memories of him are what people tell me. He used to sing to me and follow me around to make sure I was safe. ok. d keep an eye on me if we went out to the beach or somewhere.
“We lost my mum in 2021 and that was heartbreaking. But it added another level of heartbreak to knowing that she doesn’t see justice being done. Gary’s mum is in her 80s, my dad is in his 70s and it’s terrible which is to think that they may not see the justice.
For many years since the tragic deaths the investigation and why no one has been brought to justice has been frustrating. Back in 2019, Chief Constable Andy Cooke issued an apology saying: “After a number of chilling reviews and a re-investigation of the murder, it is fair to say that the investigation was not as thorough as it should have been.” it could be, or gradually. with the investigative standards expected of today’s police.
“On behalf of Merseyside Police, I would like to offer our sincere apologies to the families of John and Gary, and I would like to reassure them that we remain committed to finding the person or people responsible.”
The apology came three years after a fresh appeal was launched in 2016 asking anyone who knew about the incident at the time to come forward 36 years after the crime. It was launched after a new witness emerged almost four decades later.
Over the next few years, new information was passed on to the police but in 2019, the Director of Public Prosecutions decided not to proceed with a new investigation, which eventually led to an apology.
At the time, police said: “In August 2016 the families pushed for the case to be re-investigated after new evidence emerged from the Facebook campaign that a number of people, who were not spoken to as part of the original investigation, came forward , advanced. from this and after liaising with the families the force re-investigated the case.
“As a man had previously been charged with the murders and had been acquitted after a trial, the force submitted a file containing the new evidence to the Director of Public Prosecutions for consideration. After careful consideration, the Director of Public Prosecutions the decision not to authorize the next steps in the Merseyside Police investigation on the basis of the file submitted.
“The Director of Public Prosecutions acknowledges that this is a tragic case and has said that, should the ongoing police investigation produce enough strong new evidence, he would reconsider his decision. To that end, Merseyside Police remains committed to investigating this case and ensuring that we do everything we can to bring the person(s) responsible to justice.”
Speaking about their battle for justice, Debbie explained: “We still have hope and we will never give up; I want to see the right person found guilty in court and for everyone to know. What happened doesn’t affect them either, it affects generations who didn’t even meet John and people who weren’t even alive to meet him When a child is murdered, you can’t imagine the ripple effect it has on their family. “
Debbie said it was “torture” for the family to know John and Gary’s killer could still be on the streets, who are left sickened by the thought. She added: “It makes you angry and frustrated. It’s like John and Gary’s lives didn’t matter because their killer was allowed to do what he did and get away with it.
“Justice would mean a huge weight being lifted off our shoulders. My mum and Gary’s dad have passed away but it would mean so much to my dad and Gary’s mum to see their son’s killer behind bars. It would mean the world to our families and the local community as well.
“My determination to get justice for the boys is as strong as ever. I believe that hope is a very important thing. There have been times when I have felt very disappointed or impatient for answers but the hope that I will see the justice done. going.”
Debbie is appealing for anyone with information about the case to come forward. She said: “It’s not too late.” If you have any information contact Merseyside Police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or online here.
Merseyside police are barred from questioning the original suspect as part of their investigations due to double jeopardy laws, which the families argue “makes a mockery of the fair and open justice system we pride ourselves on”.
