Avon and Somerset Police have launched a new appeal and said that newly available DNA techniques have put them ‘a step closer’ to finding the killer of Melanie Hall, after she went missing in Bath in 1996.
Melanie, who was a clerical worker at the Royal United Hospital in Bath, was last seen at 1.10am sitting on a stool at the edge of the dancefloor in Cadillacs nightclub (now ClubXL) in Walcot Street, Bath, following a night out with friends.
This was the last confirmed sighting of Melanie alive. Her remains were found in vegetation next to the junction 14 northbound slipway of the M5 (Thornbury) by a workman on 5th October 2009.
In addition to the new appeal, the independent charity Crimestoppers is reinstating a reward of up to £10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the murder of Melanie Hall.
Det Supt Bevan said: “Melanie’s parents and sister have for the past 20 years been caught up in a living nightmare and my heart goes out to them.
“The discovery of Melanie’s remains in 2009 gave them some answers, but it’s the unanswered questions that continue to haunt them.
“We’re doing everything we can to find these answers for them – most importantly who killed Melanie and why.
“For the first time I’m able to confirm publically that we do have DNA evidence which was left on an item found at the scene where Melanie’s remains were discovered.
“Through new techniques, we’re in the process of developing a DNA profile. There’s no doubt this brings us an important step closer to finding her killer.
“There’s been a great deal of speculation about this case, including the names of suspects potentially linked to this murder.
“We don’t have a prime suspect and we don’t have any conclusive evidence to suggest Melanie’s death is linked to any other murders or sexual offences committed in our Force area, or elsewhere in the country.
“There are however numerous people of interest in this investigation and we’re looking into whether they have any potential link to this horrific crime. I believe the DNA profile we’re developing will assist these enquiries significantly.
“The recent conviction of Christopher Hampton for the 1984 murder of Bath teenager Melanie Road justifies our belief that crimes can be solved no matter how long ago they were committed.
“Christopher Hampton was described as a normal family man. The killer of Melanie Hall could easily be someone who has moved on with their lives. They may have a family and be someone who is respected in their career or local community.
“What they do have is a very dark and terrible secret, which they must fear will one day be revealed.
“With the advancements in DNA, combined with traditional policing methods, I fully believe we’re getting closer to finding that crucial piece of information which will help us solve this case.
“On this significant anniversary, I’d ask the public to think of Melanie’s family and cast their minds back to the key dates and locations which feature in this case and carefully consider whether they can help us.
“Over the years loyalties can change and relationships alter – if you have any suspicions about someone you think may be connected to Melanie’s death, please do the right thing and call us with a name.”
You can call the Operation Denmark Incident Room on 0117 952 9788 or alternatively 101 and ask for the Operation Denmark team.
There is a reward of up to £10,000 being offered by the independent charity Crimestoppers for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the murder of Melanie Hall.
You will only qualify for this reward if the information is passed to Crimestoppers direct.
The charity can be contacted on 0800 555 111. Information can be provided anonymously and they cannot trace your call. You can also visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org
Can you help the police?
- Did you see Melanie after 1.10am on Sunday 9th June? Did you see her leave the Cadillacs nightclub, or see who she was with, at any time after this?
- Were you in Cadillacs nightclub in Walcot Street that night? It was the evening where England drew 1-1 with Switzerland in the opening game of the football Euro 96 Championships? If you were there and haven’t spoken to police, please call them.
- Did you see any suspicious activity or a vehicle parked on the northbound J14 slipway of the M5 – the Thornbury turn off – from the early hours of Sunday 9 June 1996 or the days or weeks afterwards?
- Are you concerned about the change in behaviour of a friend or relative, or anyone showing a particular interest in the ongoing police inquiry?
- Do you have information on where Melanie’s clothing or belongings may be? They’ve never been found. They include a pale blue silk dress with a round neck, black suede mule shoes with straps across the front and an open toe, size 5 or 6, a cream single-breasted, long-sleeved jacket and a black satchel-type handbag.
- In Melanie’s handbag were cosmetics and a Midland cheque book and bank card. Also missing are items of jewellery including a Next watch with expanding bracelet and silver drop earrings. Where are these items? Have you ever seen them?