Mum in 'living nightmare' over son's missing body

Jesse Richards has been missing since 2009

A woman whose son was killed 16 years ago has said she is in a "living nightmare" while his body remains missing.

Jesse Richards was killed in Cleeve Prior, Evesham, on 31 July 2009 in an attack over a drugs debt, police believe.

Detectives at West Mercia Police suspect his body was then taken to Warwickshire and hidden, with the whereabouts of his remains unknown to this day. Five men were jailed over his death in 2012, with three convicted of manslaughter.

Lucy Richards, whose son would have been 56 this year, said: "Every year I get older, my time shortens and the likelihood of me ever recovering Jesse lessens."

She added: "Never having recovered him and my time running out is the living nightmare I face every day."

Asking for fresh information, she said: "I make this appeal to anyone with any humanity to put an end to my suffering. If you know anything and have a shred of decency, please, come forward."

'Right thing to do'

A spokesperson for West Mercia Police said the force was "still as committed today" as it was 16 years ago to finding the body.

Det Insp Gareth Evans said: "Despite the time that has passed, the desire to assist in the recovery of Jesse Richards remains strong because it's the right thing to do.

"All those convicted of involvement in Jesse's death have since been released from their custodial sentences, Jesse's family still live with their loss and inability to put him to rest.

"While circumstances have changed for them, they could also have changed for others involved or perhaps for their families, yet nothing changes for Lucy Richards.

"Someone knows what happened to Jesse and where he is. By not coming forward, you are depriving a family of the closure they so need and desire."