On the 10th anniversary of the murder of 15-year-old Jessie James detectives are re-appealing for information to finally bring his killer to justice.
A £60,000 reward, one of the biggest in GMP’s history, is now being offered for anyone with any information leading to the arrest and conviction of Jessie’s killer.
Jessie was shot dead shortly after 1am on Saturday 9 September 2006 in Broadfield Park, known locally as Rec Park, in Moss Side.
Jessie had spent the evening out with a group of friends around the West Indian Centre in Moss Side. They then cycled with his friends Raby Street and into Broadfield Park. As they got to the middle of the park, close to the back of the Powerhouse, the boys heard shots and the group ran away to safety. It was at this point that Jessie was killed.
Jessie’s friends did not know what had happened until they re-traced their steps a short time later. They were calling his mobile phone as they walked through the park and heard a phone ringing. They followed the sound and found Jessie’s body. He had been shot several times.
Police and ambulance crews were called but sadly Jessie was already dead.
Detective Chief Inspector Debbie Dooley, from GMP’s Xcalibre Task Force, said: “The pain that Jessie’s family have endured over the past 10 years is unimaginable. They have had to live with the knowledge that the person who killed him has never been caught, and the likelihood is that someone in their community knows who exactly who that person is.
“This investigation has not been closed and we are as determined as ever to find the person responsible.
“The reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Jessie’s killer has now been increased £60,000 thanks to continued support from Crimestoppers. This is one of the biggest rewards ever been offered in the history of GMP and demonstrates our dedication to finding Jessie’s killer.
“We hope this reward along with the promise of complete confidence, anonymity and support will encourage anyone with any information to come forward. Jessie’s mum has had to go through pain no parent should have to go through. The least we can do is provide her with the justice she deserves.
Greater Manchester Mayor and Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd, who was MP for the area at the time of the murder, said: “Jessie James was a popular young man who had a bright future ahead of him. His murder was brutal, unprovoked and shocking not just to the communities of Moss Side, but across Greater Manchester.
“His death was a catalyst for change – people stood up and said “enough is enough”. Jessie’s true legacy is that the shadow of his violent departure from this world spurred local people, police, council and other agencies to come together to tackle gun and gang crime and make our streets safer for future generations.
“But despite the real hope that came out of this darkness, it is 10 years on and his family has still not seen justice. Someone out there knows what happened that night in Moss Side. I would ask anyone who knows who was responsible to think of Jessie’s family, and do the right thing. Along with Crimestoppers, I have put up a £60,000 reward which I sincerely hope will break the silence. Please, if you have information, come forward.”
Anyone with any information about the murder of Jessie James should contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
