Probe into the murder of backpacker is closed
AN INTERNATIONAL investigation into the murder of a Welsh backpacker has been closed 20 years after her death.
Kirsty Sara Jones left her home in Tredomen, near Brecon, for a solo backpacking holiday around the world in May, 2000.
During the early hours of August 10 of the same year, after enjoying an evening with friends, the 23-year-old was attacked and murdered in her room in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Police found evidence that she had been raped and strangled.
Despite several arrests, no one was ever charged for Kirsty’s murder.
Dyfed Powys Police said the Thai 20-year statute of limitations in Kirsty’s case expired on August 9, 2020.
It means no criminal prosecution can be brought against a person in Thailand for this crime.
Kirsty’s mother Sue Jones said: “It is a really sad time for us as a family.
“We have worked hard over all of these years to keep the Thai authorities interested in Kirsty’s case and to ensure that the investigation continued to try to identify the persons responsible for her murder.
“Kirsty was a bright, intelligent, independent young woman who had the world at her feet.
“Kirsty has gone from our lives, whilst her killer remains at large.
“Had they been brought to justice the sadness and emptiness would remain the same, but it may have brought us some closure.
“I hope we have done her proud in trying to get justice.”
She added: “I have nothing but praise for Dyfed-Powys Police who have always provided us with support and have tried their best to progress the Thai investigation.
“Without their influence, I am confident that the Thai investigation would have ended years ago.
“We are now in contact with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office so that we can finally get Kirsty’s belongings back home with us.”
In 2001, Dyfed-Powys Police lobbied to get the case re-opened by the
Thai Attorney General after it was closed due to insufficient evidence to mount a successful prosecution.
A spokesperson said officers from Dyfed-Powys travelled to Thailand several times in the years that followed to discuss the investigation, hold press conferences and bring exhibits from the case back to the UK for detailed forensic examination.
Detective superintendent Gary Phillips said: “Dyfed-Powys Police has maintained regular contact with the Thai authorities over the last 19 years, providing support and advice on potential investigative opportunities open to investigators.”
He added: “Unfortunately no-one has ever been prosecuted for Kirsty’s murder and the Thai Department of Specialist Investigations has now closed the case, meaning a permanent end to the investigation.
“Myself and colleagues before me have been in regular contact with Kirsty’s family throughout, and we share their deep disappointment that no-one has ever been brought to justice.”