Sunday 3 July 2011

Murder Detective Determined To Crack Cold-Case Prostitute Killing


Police are still trying to solve the murder of a North-East London prostitute – severely beaten and strangled in her home sixteen years ago.

Christine McGovern, 47, was found naked at 53a Hamilton Road, Walthamstow at noon on June 22, 1995.


She had been asphyxiated and beaten so badly her spine and nose were broken and her body was covered in severe bruises.


Officers hope that as the years have passed allegiances may have changed or someone too scared to come forward at the time now feels able.



Detective Inspector Ken Hughes, of the Homicide and Serious Crime Command, said: “We are appealing for anyone who didn't originally come forward to contact us.



“Circumstances change over the years and it may be someone now feels they can approach us in confidence and anonymously if they wish.



“Even if you just have a hunch or had suspicions about someone at the time we would like to hear from you - we can quickly eliminate people from the enquiry from the evidence we have recovered from the scene but a piece of information you may think is useless could be crucial.”



She was found by a friend in the flat she occupied alone with her Rottweiler dog.

Christine was last seen alive at about 6:30pm on June 21 1995 in the street outside her home.

A number of people reported that at around 11:00pm they heard a dog barking - possibly the victim’s.



There had been no forced entry to her home, but it had been ransacked and there were items missing, including a video recorder, a satellite decoder, four gold rings and a gold necklace with a St Christopher’s pendant.

Detectives believe she was murdered by someone she knew.



Anyone who can help is asked to contact the incident room on 020 8345 3734. If you wish to remain anonymous please call Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.

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