Brummies have rallied around a Midland mother in her 80s who still does not know where her son is buried, 17 years after he was murdered over a £1 million drug debt. Lucy Richards, from the Midlands, has spent nearly two decades trying to find the body of her son Jesse Richards, 40, who was killed on 31 July 2009 in Cleeve Prior near Evesham.
Jesse was surrounded by a group of men armed with weapons, including a pick-axe handle, and brutally attacked. Despite extensive searches across Warwickshire and Coventry, his remains have never been discovered. Now, on the 17th anniversary of his death, Lucy has issued a heartbreaking plea for anyone with information to come forward so she can finally lay her son to rest.
Outpouring of support from Brummies
Following her emotional appeal, many Birmingham residents have shared messages of solidarity, urging anyone who knows where Jesse is buried to speak up. Sandra McQuaid wrote: "I remember this happening. This poor lady deserves to know where her son is buried."
Tara Michelle added: "Someone give this woman closure at least! One of you out there know what happened and where he is so speak up." Marlene Kitchen commented: "I TRULY HOPE YOU FIND THE TRUE BEFORE YOU GO TO YOUR FINAL RESTING PLACE. MY HEART IS WITH YOU." Hazel Riley said: "Please give this lady her son back so one she can rest in peace." Fiona Powell added: "Heartbreaking hope someone dose the right thing and says."
Mother's devastating appeal
In a statement released on the anniversary, Lucy Richards made a direct plea to those who know what happened. "While my Jesse may not have been perfect, he was my loving son and he will always be my son," she said. "I am a mother not just to Jesse but to my other children and as a mother, I want to do right by all of them. I have never had the opportunity to say my proper goodbyes to Jesse and as a mother, I have not been able to give his brothers and sister that opportunity either."
She added: "Things change, circumstances change, reasons for remaining quiet change but every year I hope this will be the one when someone finds their conscience whether it be the person who knows what they did with him or someone close to them. If you know, don't think about Jesse, think about if it was your mum who didn't know, your brother or sister, I implore you to think about me and them."
Search and reward
Detectives believe Jesse's body was originally taken to Warwickshire and hidden, but despite extensive searches across Coventry and Warwickshire, no remains have ever been found. A £10,000 reward remains on offer for information that leads to the recovery of his body.
Lucy previously said: "Let's not beat around the bush… every year I get older, my time shortens and the likelihood of my ever recovering Jesse lessens. Never having recovered him and my time running out is the living nightmare I face every day. I make this appeal to anyone with any humanity to put an end to my suffering, If you know anything and have a shred of decency please, come forward. If that's not enough, the Police have confirmed to me that the Crimestoppers reward of £10,000 leading to the recovery of his body is still available."
2012 convictions
Five men were jailed in connection with Jesse's death after a trial at Birmingham Crown Court in 2012. They were collectively sentenced to more than 50 years in prison, despite his body never being found.
- Matthew Taylor, of Stoke Heath – jailed for 13 years for manslaughter.
- Kevin Houston, of Coventry – sentenced to 19 years for manslaughter and six years six months for obstructing a coroner.
- James Doe, formerly of Broomfield Road, Earlsdon – jailed for 17 years for manslaughter and five years for blackmail, to run concurrently. He also received 18 months for burglary.
- David Butler, 26, from Slough – admitted obstructing a coroner and was jailed for four years.
- Joseph Doe, 37, of Essex – pleaded guilty to assisting his brother James and was jailed for four years.
How to help
Anyone with information that could help the searches is urged to contact DS Gareth Evans directly on 07977 068 033. All contact will remain confidential, but there is obviously a benefit in being able to discuss the information. Alternatively, you can remain completely anonymous by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
