APPEAL TO FIND JAMIE’S KILLER
THE uncle of a Valleys man found dead in a lane has appealed for help to find his nephew’s killer.
The family of murdered Gilfach Goch man Jamie Perkins have issued a powerful plea on the anniversary of the day his body was found.
Mr Perkins, 41, was discovered in a culvert along an access road known as Bog Lane on November 1, 2017.
Police believe his body could have been lying undiscovered for up to three weeks after he was last seen on CCTV in Hendreforgan on October 8.
At the time a murder investigation was launched and a £10,000 reward issued by Crimestoppers for information.
Police later said injuries found on the body suggest he had been assaulted.
But nobody has been charged with his murder.
Now, one year later, his uncle Allan Perkins has said his family have been living in limbo until new information is found, and that Mr Perkins’ father is now ill.
Speaking from his Penarth home, Mr Perkins said: “When Jamie was about nine years old he started boxing and he took it very seriously, training every single day.
“From there he boxed for Wales and even fought in the Gaelic games in Ireland. He was a very good boxer but as he grew up he tended to go out with the wrong people, and yes, he took the wrong turn in life.
“But I know Jamie, and he would do anything for anybody – he would carry a bag to the top of a hill for somebody if he saw it was too heavy. He had his problems, yes, but he was a nice person and people who know him know he was.
“His troubles escalated until the final thing was him getting murdered and being dumped down in Bog Lane. People in Gilfach should look at themselves – if they know or if they have heard anything, and they come forward, we may be able to get closure on this.
“Jamie’s father is not very well and I think he would love to finally relax in the latter part of his life. He deserves better than this from the people of the community.
“The last 12 months, we’ve been in limbo. Police have been asking questions, talking to people, and taking people in for questioning but at the moment we don’t seem to be any nearer to finding the people responsible for killing Jamie.
“Please come forward, because John needs your help.”
To mark the anniversary detectives are revisiting the village which was left shocked by the events of last year.
Detectives will knock on doors and visit cafes and community centres to talk to people about the murder.
Detective Chief Inspector Gareth Morgan, said: “Whoever killed Jamie Perkins is roaming free while his family are left traumatised and distraught, having to face another Christmas without him and that is just not right.
“It’s now a year since Jamie’s body was found. Somebody, somewhere, knows who is responsible, and this is their chance to come forward.
“My message to that person is that it is never too late.
“We understand that it may have been difficult, or maybe still is, to come forward, but, I would like to assure you now that we would provide you with all the support that you require. The other option that you have is to contact Crimestoppers anonymously.”
At the time of his death, Mr Perkins’ family paid tribute to a “loving son” and father.
His uncle, on behalf of his family, said: “Jamie was a loving son who is sorely missed by his family, including his dad and his young son.”
Anybody with information is urged to contact South Wales Police via 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.