My brother can’t rest in peace
A HEARTBROKEN woman whose teenage brother’s dead body was found without a head ten years ago has launched a fresh plea to find his killer.
Shouni Dighton still clings to her final precious memory of her beloved big brother Ashley.
He gave her a hug before walking out of the door.
She said: “My brother can’t rest in peace until we find his head and whoever did this to him is brought to justice.”
Ashley, 19, was last seen alive a day later by a security officer as he left a Sainsbury’s in Ashford, Kent, on June 11, 2007.
A massive police manhunt was launched and a month later his decapitated body was found in nearby woodland.
As well as his head, parts of his arms were missing and, in another grisly twist, one of his ribs was found with his T-shirt in a carrier bag near his remains.
Ashley’s body was so badly decomposed that the pathologist could not determine a cause of death. Four men were arrested in 2007 in connection with Ashley’s murder but all were released without charge. No one has been charged with the gruesome murder. .
An open verdict ict was recorded at his is inquest in n December 2008. Shouni, now 25, is still desperate for answers and has ap- pealed to anybody dy with information n to contact the police. .
She said: “I still struggle to believe it. I feel I’m in a nightmare and I’ll wake with Ashley walking back through the door.
“Ashley was my world. He was more of a parent to me than Mum and Dad. He looked after me, protected me and I adored him. He was the most caring and affectionate person I know.”
The police investigation was hampered because someone interfered with Ashley’s body before it was discovered.
The pathologist found his clothes had been removed while the body was in an advanced state of decomposition. ition. Shouni, one of f six siblings, said: “It’s horrendous to know now that somebody took k his head off. I j just pray ray it happene happened after ter he died and d that wa wasn’t the way h he died. ed. “Whoever Whoever did this to my b brother her I won’t l et t hem get a away with it. I feel so angry gry that while we are all suffering his killer is i out t there somewhere free to live their life. “Someone must t know something. Please tell the he police. My brother deserves justice.” ustice.” A Kent Police spokesman said: “We will, as with all undetected cases, s, actively investigate any new ew lines of inquiry that come to light. “The victim’s family amily and detectives remain n keen to hear from anyone e who can assist the investigation.” igation.” Anyone with information rmation should call 01303 289 600.