https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-13761703/The-gruesome-murder-thats-remained-mystery-44-years-Two-11-year-old-best-friends-went-play-sunshine-1980-15-minutes-later-bodies-mattress-families-fear-theyll-never-justice.htmlThe gruesome murder that's remained a mystery for 44 years: Two 11-year-old best friends went to play in the sunshine in 1980, 15 minutes later their bodies were found under a mattress and their families fear they'll never get justice
John Greenwood and his best friend Gary Miller were beaten to death in 1980
Read More: Investigation launched into the murders of two 11-year-olds
By Ellen Coughlan For Mailonline
Published: 12:59, 24 August 2024 | Updated: 13:50, 24 August 2024
The families of two 11-year-old boys who were brutally killed in 1980 worry they might never find the killer. John Greenwood and his best friend Gary Miller went missing in Whiston, Merseyside, in August 1980 after they went out to play after tea on a sunny summer evening. But just 15 minutes later, a dog walker would come across the boys brutally beaten and partially buried under a mattress, and called 999. The killer was never brought to justice. John's sister Debbie Turrell, 46, who was only two when he was killed, has fought for justice for her brother and his friend most of her life. She now hopes to shine a light on the case again 44 years after they were found dead. Speaking to the Liverpool Echo she said: 'I haven't got my own memories of John, so my memories of him are what people tell me. He used to sing to me and follow me around to make sure I was okay. We lost my mum in 2021 and that was heartbreaking. But another level of heartbreak was added knowing that she's not seen justice done.'
Debbie added that her father is now in his 70s and Gary's mother is in her 80s and she worries that they might also not see justice for the young boys. After the boys were discovered they were rushed to hospital and underwent surgery but John died in the early hours of the following morning and Gary died a few days later. Both suffered fractured skulls and never regained consciousness. Police believed their killer banged their heads on the ground. A milkman, John Cheeseman, confessed to the crime while in police custody but was acquitted at Liverpool Crown Court in May 1981. His lawyers pointed out he was mentally deficient and should have had a solicitor or guardian present when he was interviewed by police. The Sunday Times said detectives had unearthed allegations pointing towards Robert Fisher, who died in 1991, aged 73. His wife, Ethel, reportedly died by suicide in 1999 after telling friends she could no live with the guilt of knowing her husband had killed the boys. At the time detective Chief Superintendent Paul Richardson said: 'We are particularly interested in talking to anyone who may have seen a man with three young boys, aged between 12 and 14 years, near to the church hall on Dragon Lane, Whiston, between 6.45pm and 7.20pm on Saturday 16 August 1980. Two of the boys who were seen with the man were stood on the wall of the church hall and one was in the grounds of the church hall. Were you one of the three boys? If so please come forward and talk to us.'
In 2016, detectives reopened an investigation into the murders but frustrations over the original investigation remained. In 2019, then Chief Constable Andy Cooke issued a statement, apologising 'inadequacies and failings of the original investigation', after a meeting with the families. He added: 'The investigation team at the time provided sufficient evidence to charge a man with the murder of the boys and he stood trial and was subsequently acquitted. Having carried out a number of cold case reviews and following the reinvestigation of the murder, it is fair to say that the investigation was not as thorough as it could have been, or in line with the investigation standards expected of policing today.'
He added the force offered their 'sincere apologies to the families of John and Gary' and remained 'committed' to finding whoever killed them. However, he said the force had submitted a file containing the new evidence it had found to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), but after 'careful consideration, the DPP made the decision not to authorise the next steps'.
He said: 'The DPP acknowledges that this is a tragic case and has said that in the event that the ongoing police investigation yields sufficient compelling new evidence, he would reconsider his decision'.
Merseyside Police is barred from questioning the original suspect as part of its investigations due to double jeopardy laws. The families argue that 'makes a mockery of the fair and open justice system that we pride ourselves in'.
Debbie said: 'We still have hope and will never give up; I want to see the right person found guilty in court and for everyone to know.'
If you have any information contact Merseyside Police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
