Detectives investigating the 40-year mystery of a body discovered in Midland woodland have issued a new appeal to identify the man and restore his dignity.
The Discovery
On Sunday, April 5, 1987, two men shooting in Coronation Wood at Swinfen, near Lichfield, found a man hanging from a tree. He is believed to have died approximately a week earlier. Despite extensive inquiries by Staffordshire Police, his identity was never confirmed.
Fresh Appeal
Now, volunteer investigators from Locate International, a charity specializing in cold cases of missing and unidentified people, are collaborating with the police to solve the case. The charity hopes that a renewed appeal may jog memories nearly four decades later, as the woodland was popular with dog walkers.
Description of the Man
The man, referred to as Coronation Wood Man, was thought to be in his mid-50s, 5 feet 8 inches tall, with a slender or muscular build. He had short, dark mousy hair that was greying at the sides and back, and a greying moustache on his upper lip. He had only two lower teeth, giving him a distinctive look.
Clothing and Possessions
The man was wearing:
- Millets Citizen Anorak in grey with zip front
- Dunn & Co green trilby hat
- Greenwoods lightweight grey zip-up jacket with blue lining
- C&A-branded brown knitted jumper made in Romania
- Marks & Spencer light blue check shirt
- Dark/wine red tie with awning stripes and pin dots
- Light tan/brown slip-on shoes with extra-wide fitting
- Blue or grey trousers
He carried two keys on a metal, pear-shaped fob stamped with the number 6, handkerchiefs, a blue comb, a disposable lighter, two copper coins, and two Ladbrokes pens, suggesting he frequented betting shops.
Questions for the Public
Locate International urges people to consider these questions and share them with family, friends, or neighbors:
- Did you live or work in Lichfield in spring 1987? Does this man look familiar?
- Did you walk your dog in Coronation Wood at the time? Perhaps you encountered him?
- Are you a farmer or landowner in the area? Did he stay on your property?
- Do you recognize his tie?
Statements
Mark Greenhalgh, CEO of Locate International, said: “We believe everyone deserves to be reunited with their identity and to receive dignity in death. Even after almost 40 years, we are hopeful that we can give Coronation Wood Man back his name. Even the smallest piece of information can help—it can confirm something we already knew or provide a crucial new direction for the investigation. So we encourage you to come forward if you know anything at all.”
Detective Chief Inspector Louise Booker of Staffordshire Police added: “This man has remained unidentified for nearly four decades, and we are determined to change that. Someone somewhere knew him as a friend, colleague, neighbor, or family member. We urge anyone who recognizes the description, clothing, or personal items to come forward, no matter how insignificant it may seem. Even uncertain information could help us finally establish who he was and provide answers after all these years.”
Anyone with information can visit Locate International’s Coronation Wood Man page, email appeals@locate.international, or call 0300 102 1011.
