Kieran Williams murder: New appeal to track teen's killer four years after he was found in shallow grave
“Someone, somewhere, knows something and is keeping quiet”
Police have launched a new appeal for information to help them discover who murdered a Sunderland teenager.
Kieran Williams went missing from his Esplanade West home on April 18, 2022, four years ago today.
Six weeks after Kieran went missing, a makeshift grave was found on a disused industrial estate South of the River Wear, between the Northern Spire Bridge and Claxheugh Rocks, on May 31.
Kieran had been stabbed at least 23 times and his body set on fire.
On the fourth anniversary of his disappearance, detectives have once again stressed “someone, somewhere, knows something and is keeping quiet” and are appealing for anyone with information to come forward as they continue to seek justice for Kieran and his family.
Two men were charged in connection with Kieran’s death and stood trial at Newcastle Crown Court, where they were both acquitted of murder.
On March 27, 2023, one of the men, Louis Hackett, now 23, of Fordenbridge Square, Sunderland, was convicted of manslaughter.
Newcastle Crown Court heard Hackett had lured his “best friend” to the secluded spot where Kieran was stabbed.
Speaking at the time, prosecutors said Hackett, who has learning difficulties, “pestered” Kieran to meet him, knowing he would come to “at least some harm at the hands of others”.
However, a judge concluded that Kieran’s killer remained at large and that justice had not been done.
He said: “You knew something untoward was to happen to him, that much is clear.
"However, equally consistent with the verdict, you didn’t know he would suffer really serious harm, still less that he would be stabbed 23 times.
“The real perpetrator or perpetrators have got away with it, justice has not been done”.
Four years on, the judge’s sentiment is shared by senior investigating officer for the case, Detective Superintendent Matt Steel, who today urged the public to “do the right thing” and help them secure closure for Kieran’s family.
He added: “This was a horrific case where Kieran was brutally stabbed at least 23 times.
“A dedicated team of detectives continue to review the evidence and follow every avenue to identify any other offenders involved in Kieran’s murder.
“Our investigation remains very much active and we will continue to follow up on any new leads.
“On the anniversary of Kieran’s disappearance, I’m urging anyone who knows something about his death to do the right thing and share what they know.
“We know there were other unidentified fingerprints left at the scene.
“Ultimately, someone, somewhere, knows who they might belong to and is keeping quiet.
“In the coming weeks, we will be carrying out inquiries in the area of the crime scene and obtaining fingerprints from people in the community.
"If you’re reading this appeal and know something, no matter how small it may seem, please do not delay in contacting police.”
In July, 2024, Kieran’s mother, Tracey Williams, made a heart-felt plea for anyone with information to come forward to ensure justice for her son.
She said: “As a mother I cannot express the horror and ongoing trauma I feel. I’m begging anyone with information to come forward.”
Anyone with information about Kieran William’s murder is asked to contact Northumbria Police through their online Major Incident Public Portal.
Crimestoppers are offering a reward of up to £20,000 and can be contacted on 0800 555 111.