Family's Plea 20 Years On From Teenagers Murder

The family of Jonathan Cairns, who was murdered in 1999 at 18-years-old, have issued a plea for information on the 20th anniversary of his death.

Mr Cairns, from Ballykelly, County L'Derry was attacked as he made his way home from a night out on Sunday 25 April 1999.

No one has ever been convicted for the murder which police say was a result of a vicious beating.

The investigation has identified over 2500 witnesses, gathered statements from 872 people and over 20 searches have been carried out but the people responsible have never been brought before the courts.

Two men seen walking in the area of Loughermore Road, were Jonathan was assaulted and later found in a shallow grave, have never came forward. Police believe answers to the violent death remain in the local area.

The victim's father Raymond has appealed for anyone with information about his son's murder to come forward: "Today I am making this appeal as it's been 20 years since our son was murdered. 20 years of living each day without our lovely son, 20 years of living without answers, and without justice.

"Jonathan was 18 when he died, he should now be 38- maybe with kids of his own. We think about him every day. He was always smiling, always happy.

"The people who did this took our son away from us and we don't know why. All of his family loved him and miss him so much. To anyone who has information, it's never too late to come forward. Please tell us what you know."

The murder took place not far from Jonathan's home. His bloodstained clothes were found in the grounds of Glasvey Special School. One man was jailed for perverting the course of justice.

Detectives are conducting fresh searches in the area today, Thursday 25 April, and officers will be handing out leaflets. A mobile police station will also be open until 7pm in Ballykelly village at the junction between Plantation Road and the Main Street for anyone who wishes to speak with officers.

Detective Inspector Aidan Brown, who is leading the investigation, said: "For 20 years, Jonathan's family and friends have suffered intolerable grief. Their son died a violent death as a result of a vicious beating and we understand their desire to see justice done. We are committed to doing all in our power to apprehend those involved in this brutal incident which went far beyond a drunken assault.

"I believe Jonathan's killer or killers were local to the area and they may have known Jonathan. I also believe that people within the Ballykelly community have information which could help solve this case.

"I appreciate that this happened a long time ago but I would appeal to people to think back to the Saturday night and Sunday morning of 24th-25th April 1999. If you were in the Clooney Road/Loughermore Road/Caman Park areas of Ballykelly between 1.30am and 9am on Sunday 25 April and haven't spoken to us, please speak to us. 

"Two men were seen in the area where Jonathan was assaulted on the Loughermore Road in the early hours of Sunday 25 April 1999. They have never come forward to speak to police despite numerous appeals which leads me to believe they were involved in the murder. They were in their early 20s, about five foot 10 inches tall and one of them might have had auburn coloured hair.

"Some people were not prepared to come forward at the time for a variety of reasons but we are asking people to search their conscience and think again. Circumstances and loyalties may have changed over years and it is never too late to do the right thing."

Anyone with information relating to Jonathan's murder can call detectives on 101, or alternatively they can pass details anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.



(JG)