£50k reward to catch killer
COLD-CASE DETECTIVES TO INTERVIEW SEVERAL PEOPLE
POLICE are to interview several people in connection with a frenzied Ripperstyle killing of a woman 30 years ago today.
In a murder which mirrored those committed by the Yorkshire Ripper, Linda Suzanne Donaldson was mutilated after being stabbed to death.
A £50,000 reward is being offered for information which identifies her killer.
Linda’s naked body was found in a ditch behind a hedge in a farmer’s field at Winnick Lane, Lowton, near Leigh.
The find was made just before noon by an elderly couple on Tuesday, October 18, 1988.
The 31-year-old sex worker from Liverpool had been stabbed 10 times.
She had been horribly mutilated.
Her clothes – black ankle boots, a black mini-skirt, black jacket and a studded belt, were never found – nor were or her distinctive gold earrings and white address book.
Her body had been washed down before being dumped, most likely to erase forensic evidence.
Over three decades police have arrested several people and also eliminated serial killers from the inquiry. But advances in DNA technology and a review of the murder means several people are to be quizzed.
Martin Bottomley, head of GMP’s Cold Case Review Unit, told the M.E.N.: “My intention is to interview several people in connection with this case.
“The original investigation was a joint investigation by GMP and Merseyside Police and went on for two years and several people were interviewed but no one convicted.
“This is the latest re-investigation. We do have some DNA evidence, but that itself because of the nature of Linda’s work, wouldn’t necessarily help us convict. So what we need is a name. I am sure there is someone out there who knows who the killer is, or has grave suspsicions. I would ask people to look at their conscience and make that phone call.”
Linda’s death shocked the region. Det Chief Supt Ken Clarke told the MEN at the time. “We are looking for a maniac – a sadistic killer who could strike again.”
Just over two years later, the detective’s fears of second murder had been realised – but it is not clear that same person was responsible.
Two children, fishing at Pennington Flash, Leigh, less than two miles from Lowton, spotted five plastic bin bags. Inside them was the dismembered body of Maria Christina Requena, 26, also a sex worker, from Manchester. Maria, a mother-of-one, had vanished on New Year’s Day, 1991 and her remains were found less than a week later on January 6.
Mr Bottomley said there was no forensic link between the two deaths although there were similarities. In the late afternoon of Monday October 17, 1988, Linda – who struggled with heroin use – got up and went to earn some money working Toxteth, the red light district where she lived.
She returned to the flat a number of times that day, having last been seen by her flatmate when she left the property at 11.30pm.
When Linda did not return, her flatmate became concerned and contacted police.
However, by the time the report had been made later that afternoon Linda was already dead.
It is believed Linda was killed elsewhere then driven to the remote location where she was found.
Anyone with information can call GMP’s dedicated team on 0161 856 5978 – or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
I am sure there is someone out there who knows who the killer is, or has grave suspicions Martin Bottomley