Northumbria Police have renewed their appeal for information on the fourth anniversary of the death of Kieran Williams, an 18-year-old from Sunderland who was found murdered in 2022. Investigators are urging anyone with information about the case to come forward, specifically highlighting the existence of unidentified fingerprints found at the crime scene and the intention to collect fingerprints from the local community.
Kieran Williams disappeared from his home on Esplanade West on 18 April 2022. Following a six-week search, his body was discovered on 31 May 2022 in a makeshift grave on a disused industrial estate south of the River Wear, between the Northern Spire Bridge and Claxheugh Rocks. Forensic evidence confirmed that he had been stabbed at least 23 times and his body had been set on fire.
In February 2023, two men were tried at Newcastle Crown Court on murder charges but were acquitted. While one individual, Louis Hackett, was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to five years in prison, the presiding judge, Mr Justice Jay, concluded that the true perpetrator or perpetrators remained at large, stating that justice had not been served. Det Supt Matt Steel is now leading the ongoing investigation and is encouraging members of the public to do the right thing by sharing any information they may have.
Police are specifically asking anyone who visited the former Coles Cranes industrial site between 15 April and 2 June 2022 to get in touch so they can be eliminated from the inquiry. In August 2023, two further individuals, a 27-year-old woman and a 30-year-old man, were arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice and remain on police bail while enquiries continue.
The independent charity Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to £20,000 for anonymous information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the murder. Members of the community can provide information by calling 0800 555 111, via the Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) or visiting the charity’s website.
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