Perigo murder inquiry 35 years on
Police say they will continue to act on any new information as Sunderland’s oldest unsolved murder marks its 35th anniversary.
The body of Julie Perigo was found at her blood-splattered home in Kidderminster Road, in the Downhill area of Sunderland, on May 23, 1986.
Police made the discovery when they forced their way into the mother of two’s flat after a relative was concerned about her welfare.
Julie, who was last seen alive by a neighbour on May 16, died of shock and bleeding due to multiple stab wounds.
Her murder triggered a nationwide hunt in which more than 6,000 people were interviewed in connection with the 51-year-old’s death.
Three men were detained over her killing although they were all later freed without charge and no further arrests have been made.
On the 35th anniversary of her murder, Northumbria Police say they will continue to act on new lines of inquiry and that any new information which comes to light will be fully investigated by detectives.
Julie, who was a prostitute and a former stripper, was last seen a week before her death and had told a friend that she was due to meet a client at lunchtime on May 16.
Despite the thousands of interviews – which included tests taken after developments in DNA forensics later the same decade – her attacker has still not been caught.
A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “This incident took place 35 years ago and our thoughts remain with Julie’s family and friends at this time.
“We will continue to act on any new lines of inquiry or information as we look to establish the circumstances surrounding Julie’s death.
“Unsolved murders are never closed and are all subject to periodic reviews. If any new information comes to light about any case, our detectives will ensure it is fully investigated.
“If you have any information that could help us with any of our unsolved cases, please call 101 or pass information through independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
Aside from recent cases still actively going through the legal system, the killing is the oldest of four unsolved murders in Sunderland. All four cases remain open and are subject to periodic reviews.