Cops investigating murder of uni graduate 20 years ago say they have found crucial DNA evidence
Victim Melanie Hall vanished after a night out in 1996 and her killer has never been found
POLICE investigating the murder of a university graduate 20 years ago could finally catch her killer after crucial DNA was found.
Melanie Hall’s murderer has never been caught after she disappeared on a night out.
Her remains were found by a workman 13 years after she went missing and police have now confirmed DNA evidence has been discovered at the same spot.
Detective Superintendent Andy Bevan, of Avon and Somerset Police, said he believed the DNA evidence would help the investigation "significantly".
He 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 publicly 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.”
Clerical worker Melanie was last seen in the early hours sitting on a stool on the edge of the dance floor at Cadillacs nightclub in Bath on June 9 1996.
Her remains were found by a workman in vegetation next to the junction 14 northbound slipway of the M5 in Thornbury on October 5 2009.
There have been nine arrests in connection with her death but no one has ever been charged.
The 20 year mystery which may finally be solved
It’s been 20 years since Melanie Hall vanished after a night out and seven years since her remains were discovered. Here are the facts surrounding the case.
June 9, 1996: University graduate Melanie Hall disappears from a Bath nightclub
October 2009: A workman discovers her remains in vegetation next to the junction 14 northbound slipway of the M5 in Thornbury
Since her death there have been:
1,700 calls from the public to Avon and Somerset Police
5,700 tasks or investigative actions completed by officers
1,600 statements taken
There have been nine arrests during the investigation
Miss Hall’s death has chilling similarities to that of Melanie Road who was also murdered on June 9 leaving nightclubs in Bath.
Christopher Hampton was handed a life sentence for the 1984 murder of Miss Road who he raped and knifed to death.
Mr Bevan said the recent conviction of Hampton "justifies our belief that crimes can be solved no matter how long ago they were committed".
He added: "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."
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But Mr Bevan stressed: “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."
Miss Hall was killed on the night England drew 1-1 with Switzerland in the opening game of the football Euro 96 Championships.
Her clothing and belongings – including a pale silk dress with a round neck, black suede mule shoes with straps across the front and an open toe and a satchel-type handbag – have never been found.
Her make-up, jewellery, cheque book and bank card have also never been found.
The police are hoping to speak to anyone who may have seen suspicious activity or a vehicle parked near the spot she was found.
Mr Bevan added: “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."
The Operation Denmark Incident Room can be contacted on 0117 952 9788, while Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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