Police appeal over prostitute murder mystery 30 years on
POLICE have made a fresh appeal to find a twisted killer who strangled and sexually assaulted a prostitute before dumping her semi-naked body in a hedge 30 years ago.
Janine Downes, who was 22, was found dead in a lay-by on the A464 near Hatton, just outside Shifnal, near Wolverhampton on February 2 1991.
The sex worker had been strangled and sexually assaulted.
But despite a major investigation and several arrests, no one was convicted of the crime.
Now on the 30th anniversary of her death, West Mercia Police have appealed for anyone with information about her death to come forward.
Det Insp Lee Holehouse said: “To date, despite a continuous and full investigation and several arrests being made, nobody has been charged with her murder and I desperately want to change that.
“At the time of her death, Janine was a 22-year-old woman living in the Wolverhampton area.
“On February 2, 1991 Janine’s body was found dumped in a lay-by on the A464 just outside Shifnal, near Hatton. She had been dragged a short distance and concealed in a hedge.
“Janine
was
found
half-naked wearing only a paisley patterned blouse, a bra and blue ankle socks and had been strangled and sexually assaulted.
“We are still unclear as to what happened to Janine in the hours and days before her death. We are unclear as to whether it’s likely that Janine was killed by a stranger or someone known to her.” He continued: “We do know Janine was a sex worker working in the Wolverhampton area at around the time of her death and would appeal to anybody who was within this circle at the time or even now and may who have information to contact us.
“Moreover, I appeal to anybody with any information which may lead to the identity of Janine’s killer to get in touch in order that we can get the justice that Janine and her family deserve.
“Somebody somewhere knows what happened. Janine’s family have lived without closure for far too long. If you know what happened or have any information which may help, please help us.”
Anyone with information about Janine Downes’ death can go to the West Mercia Police website www. westmercia.police.uk or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.