Norfolk Police issue fresh appeal 20 years-on from Michelle Bettles' murder
The 22 year old was found dead in Scarning nearly 20 years ago and her killer is yet to be identified
Last updated 30th Mar 2022
Almost 20 years-on from the murder of Michelle Bettles in Norfolk, police have issued a fresh appeal for information.
The 22 year old was found dead in Scarning on March 31st 2002, and with her killer yet to be identified, detectives are confident there are people out there withholding information.
John Bettles, Michelle's father, told us he still feels robbed by what happened: "She was a loving person to talk to, and an intelligent person. In some ways I could see her mum in Michelle, she had this hardened exterior at times, but underneath you had this heart of love and give.
"I'm just grateful that I got that time with Michelle, but I'm angry that somebody cut it short".
WATCH: We've been speaking to Michelle's Dad ahead of the anniversary
He believes there are people out there that can help give him and his family closure, saying it's in their interest to tell the Police what they know: "Come forward now, rather than wait for the big knock on the door because you could be sat having tea with your family now, you've grown up and come out of that seedy life and you're moving forwards.
"Think how your wife would feel if all of a sudden you get a knock on the door for something 20 odd year ago and they want to question you about it.
"Whereas you could have come forward, done it anonymously and that's not going to happen.
"With forensics' improving in twenty-two years it's gone from looking for DNA the size of a coin to less than the size of a pin-head and if you saw, knew or were close to Michelle in the last few days- the chances are your DNA is there and the Police will find it.
"There's people out there, maybe even so-called friends of Michelle, they know something. You could have had an acquaintance twenty years ago and you thought, 'they are a bit shifty', and because you were in that environment, it would be wrong to bring that name forward- but you can now do it anonymously."
What do police know so far?
Michelle, who operated as a sex worker was last seen in the red-light district of Norwich on the evening of Thursday 28 March 2002.
Michelle unusually had not kept an appointment with a regular client which she had arranged to meet close to her home address in the Dereham Road area of Norwich.
CCTV footage from the evening showed Michelle walking along St Benedict’s Street towards the city centre at 8.20pm that evening, suggesting she never intended to keep the appointment with the regular client as she was heading in the opposite direction to their pre-arranged meeting.
On the morning on Sunday 31 March 2002 Michelle's body was found by a local resident in woodland by the side of a country track known as Rush Meadow Road in Scarning.
A murder investigation was launched at the time but her killer has never been identified.
The forensic review and appeal
Major Crime Review Manager, Andy Guy, said: “As part of a forensic review, we currently have items at the laboratory and seek to identify DNA profiles found in connection with Michelle.
"This has not been possible before, so I would ask if any person has had legitimate, personal contact with Michelle to come forward and be eliminated.
"Equally, we are eager to hear from anyone with useful information about the last few days of Michelle’s life.
“We know that Michelle had a number of acquaintances in Norwich and I am hoping that over time, situations or allegiances may have changed which will give someone the confidence to provide us with any new information which could be the key in solving Michelle’s murder.
"As part of the review, we are also looking at some information that suggests there was a potential sighting of Michelle in the City Road area, walking towards Queens Road just after 10.30pn on the evening of Thursday 28 March.
"There are also other uncorroborated sightings of her around The Rouen Road, Ber Street area."