Mother's plea for information to find body of son murdered in West Midlands 17 years ago

A heartbroken mum has told of the "living nightmare" she's endured for 17 years after her son's killing.

Jesse Richards was killed in Cleeve Prior, Evesham, on 31st July 2009 in a violent attack over a drugs debt.

West Mercia Police say: “It is now 16 years on, and the only people left suffering are his family who were not involved but nonetheless have lost a close family member. It is accepted that Jesse may have himself been involved with some criminality, but his family did not.”

In 2012, five men were jailed in connection with his death and were collectively sentenced to more than 50 years in prison despite his body never being found, however 16yrs on they have all since been released.

Now his elderly mother Lucy Richards has made a fresh plea for answers as West Mercia Police continue their hunt to find Jesse's remains and bring closure to his family.

Every year since his death, Lucy, now in her 80s, has urged anyone with information to come forward. As the 17th anniversary passes, she is hoping someone finally breaks their silence.

She 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."

A £10,000 Crimestoppers reward remains on offer for information leading to the recovery of Jesse's remains.

After police released fresh pictures of Lucy with her son, she added: "While my Jesse may not have been perfect, he was my loving son and he will always be my son.

"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.

"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."

Detective Sergeant Gareth Evans said people often ask why police continue to appeal when five men were jailed in connection with Jesse's death in 2012.

He said: "While this is the case, the family still do not have their peace.

"Despite renewed appeals and information being received that previously led to West Mercia Police conducting searches, the body or remains have not yet been recovered.

"There may be very good reasons that the vital piece of information has not yet been received, factors preventing people from coming forward, but circumstances change.

"Someone knows where Jesse is and they have possibly told someone else, knowing that information and not passing it on makes them as culpable for not relieving some of the pain for Jesse's family.

"Jesse would now be 57, Lucy Richards herself in her 80's, while wanting a degree of closure for herself in terms of recovering Jesse, she also wants to do the best for her other children, brothers and sister to Jesse. She is desperate to be able to do so while she still can."

Anyone with any information that could help the searches is urged to contact West Mercia Police on 101 and ask to speak to T/Detective Inspector Gareth Evans.

Or you can call him directly on 07977 068 033. T/DI Evans is keen to stress that any contact will remain confidential but there is obviously a benefit in him being able to discuss the information.

If you prefer you can provide information online here or alternatively, if you have information but don’t feel comfortable speaking to police, you can speak to the independent charity Crimestoppers.

It is 100% anonymous, they never ask your name, and they cannot trace your call or IP address. You can contact them online or by calling 0800 555 111.