Several murder cases in the West Midlands have remained unsolved for over two decades, leaving detectives stumped and families without closure. These include the disappearance of teenager Natalie Putt in 2003, a drive-by shooting near West Bromwich Albion's ground in 2004, and other violent killings that have baffled investigators.
Teenage Mum Vanishes in Dudley
Natalie Putt, a 17-year-old mother, disappeared from Dudley in September 2003. A neighbour recalled seeing her on the day she vanished, saying she seemed "fine." Authorities have since concluded that Natalie is no longer alive, and detectives believe she was murdered. Despite extensive investigations, her case remains open.
Drive-By Killing Near Hawthorns
In July 2004, student Daniel Miller was killed in a drive-by attack near West Bromwich Albion's Hawthorns ground. Detectives believe the killing may have been a case of mistaken identity, with gunmen fleeing in a green Rover 200. The case has never been solved.
Other Unsolved Killings
Dad-of-three Jason Spence was shot dead following an altercation outside the Bell pub in Great Barr in November 2002. Family members said police were met with a wall of silence. Mohammed Yasin was executed on his doorstep in Bordesley Green in September 2005, and a fresh appeal in 2023 failed to crack the case. New dad Azmat Yaqub was killed with a machine gun in a Sparkhill gym in July 2004. Det Chief Insp Neil Beechey said at the time: "He died in a violent and untimely manner in what was a cold-blooded execution where the perpetrators had time to plan ahead."
These cases remain cold, with perpetrators still at large, despite public appeals and ongoing detective work.
