Parents of murdered student call for fresh inquest into death

The parents of a 22-year-old art student whose remains were found at Beachy Head in 1989 are calling for a fresh inquest into their daughter's death.
By The Newsroom
Published 26th Sep 2018, 10:58 BST
Updated 27th Sep 2018, 19:01 BST
Jessie Earl ENGSUS00120120621101544Jessie Earl ENGSUS00120120621101544
Jessie Earl ENGSUS00120120621101544

Jessie Earl disappeared from her flat in Upperton Gardens in May 1980 and her remains were found nine years later in dense scrubland.

A police investigation failed to find her killer and a cold case murder review also threw up no new leads.

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An open verdict was recorded at an inquest in 1989 but now Miss Earl’s parents John and Valerie, who believe her death has a connection to serial killer Peter Tobin, want that verdict overturned.

Mr Earl told the BBC this week, “She was naked, she had been tied up with her bra.

“She was murdered. Jesse didn’t get herself killed by accident, suicide or anything else.”

Sussex Police says there is no evidence to link Tobin or anyone other known individual with Jessie’s disappearance and death but that the case would never be closed until there is some resolution for the family.

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The Attorney General’s Office said it had not yet received an application for a new inquest.

A spokesman said it would be for the High Court to determine whether it is in the interests of justice for a new inquest to be held.

Related topics:Parents