A reward of £20,000 is now available to help capture the individuals responsible for the killing of a law student three decades ago.
Investigators are revisiting the unsolved case of Janet Murgatroyd, who tragically lost her life at 20. After a night out, her body was discovered in a river. Andrew Greenwood, then 28, was initially found guilty of manslaughter in 2003 and received an eight-year prison sentence. However, his conviction was overturned on appeal the following year.
Janet’s murder occurred in the early hours of June 16. Crimestoppers is urging anyone with information that could lead to the apprehension and prosecution of the perpetrators to come forward. Janet had been socializing with a friend on the evening of June 15, 1996, a day marked by significant events like the Manchester Arndale bombing and the England v Scotland Euro ’96 match.
In a statement issued through Lancashire Constabulary, Janet’s mother, Mary, expressed her pain over the loss of her only child to a brutal murder that remains unsolved. Janet and her friend were last seen at the Adelphi pub in Preston before parting ways. Janet was later spotted walking alone towards her home in Penwortham.
Authorities previously indicated that Janet, a part-time police staff member, likely fell victim to a sexually motivated assault. Witnesses reported hearing distressing sounds and seeing a man near the scene where Janet’s body was eventually recovered from the river. The post-mortem examination revealed that Janet died from drowning and head injuries.
Det Chief Insp Bryony Midgley, from the Major Crime Review Team, emphasized the ongoing commitment to seeking justice for Janet and her family. With advancements in DNA technology and forensic techniques, investigators are optimistic about progress in the case. The public is urged to come forward with any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to aid in the investigation.
If anyone has information related to the events on the night of June 15 and early hours of June 16 around Fishergate Hill and Penwortham Bridge, they are encouraged to contact the dedicated team of detectives working on the case.