New Appeal For Witnesses Launched – Darren Manders Murder

31 year old Darren Manders was found in woodland known as Starvation Clump near Nunthorpe on 2^nd July 2003. He had been reported missing two weeks earlier.

A post mortem examination showed that Darren Manders had died from severe head injuries.

Two men aged 26 and 33 at the time were arrested in connection with the enquiry, but were released without charge.

A review of the case was recently carried out, led by Detective Superintendent Gordon Lang. He said: “Undetected cases are never closed, and are reviewed from time to time, to see if any new leads come to light.

“I felt it appropriate to bring the case back into the public spotlight, and re-appeal for anyone who knows anything about how he died or who is responsible to come forward.

“People and relationships change and move on. Whoever killed Darren may think they have got away with it, but I can assure them, they haven’t.

“My appeal today is to anyone who is protecting Darren’s killer – it’s not worth it. Think about what they have done, and why it’s not too late for you to do the right thing.

“Six and a half years has passed and I would still urge anyone who has information that for some reason, they felt they couldn’t pass on at the time, to come and speak to us.

“These actions have robbed Darren’s family of a loving son and father; indeed Darren has sadly never seen his son (Shown on the left). Darren did not deserve to be killed. His family deserves to know why he was taken away from them, and see justice done.”

 Anyone with information can contact the Murder Investigation Team at Cleveland Police on 01642 301615 or the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

To see the video appeal made by the police and Darren’s parents on the Northern Echo website click here