Mum and sister make emotional appeals to find Jay's killer

The mum and sister of a teenage boy murdered at a house party in Colchester have made emotional pleas for help to catch his killer a day after what would have been his 18th birthday.

At the same time detectives have appealed for information on the whereabouts of the potential murderer's polo shirt.

Jay Whiston was stabbed at a house party on Marlowe Way just after 10pm on Saturday, September 8, 2012. The then 17-year-old from Aster Close died a short time later in hospital and a provisional post-mortem examination result showed that he died from a stab wound to the heart.

Jay had also been stabbed in the abdomen and again on the waistband of his trousers but the latter attempt failed to touch his body.

Above:Jay Whiston

At a news conference held in Clacton on Monday, January 7, 2012, Senior Investigating Officer, DCI Simon Parkes, called on those protecting the student’s killer to contact them in confidence.

“We don’t know what was in the mind of those who attacked Jay at the house party, but I don’t believe this was about Jay being targeted,” said DCI Parkes.

“When a fight broke out Jay stood his ground and tragically became the victim of mindless violence.

"We have had a tremendous response from our initial requests for information. I would like to thank those who have been interviewed by my team and given statements. Their help has been invaluable. However, we do know there are those who have yet to come forward. It is essential that we are able to reconstruct what happened that night; to recreate the movements frame by frame of Jay and his attacker or attackers.



Photo: Jay Whiston with his mum Caroline Shearer

"Secondly, there are two items we need to trace. The murder weapon is outstanding. We know from the scientists that we are looking for a knife as opposed to any other item or implement. It is still out there. Is it being held by the killer or has it been discarded by a friend? If you know where it is, then please contact us.

"Additionally, we have accounted for the clothing of all those arrested apart from a distinctive red-and-white polo T-shirt made by River Island. Again, if you know where this top please get in touch.

Above: Polo T-shirt

"Thirdly and of equal importance, I would like to appeal to those who know who is responsible, to their friends and even family members. We have no doubt there are those who are aware of events which took place that September night but through some sense of misplaced loyalty are protecting Jay’s killer.”

Jay’s mum, 47-year-old Caroline Shearer, said: “January 6 would have been Jay’s 18th birthday. If we could catch the person or people responsible, then at least justice would be done. It won’t bring back my son, but we could all rest knowing that these people can’t hurt anyone else. Please come forward and contact the police. Please make this the last appeal I have to make.”

Jay’s sister, Holly Fairburn, 25, added: “Please help the police to find Jay’s killer. Please don’t shield people that could devastate another family’s lives as they have ours.”


Photo: Jay Whiston with sister Holly Fairburn

Five people from Colchester were arrested during the hours and days following the stabbing. The two 19-year-old men, one 18-year-old man and two 17-year-old boys were arrested on suspicion of murder and later released on police bail pending further enquiries. One of the 17-year-old boys has been released from his bail with no further action to be taken against him.

In mid-November, four people were arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender. Like the five original arrested people, they are currently on police bail until Friday, March 22, 2013 pending further enquiries.

• Anyone with information is urged to contact detectives at Colchester’s Major Investigation Team by telephone on 01206 576845, text on 07841 112146, Blackberry Message (BBM)  on 264CC35E or email on scdappeals@essex.pnn.police.uk Information can also be passed to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.