New forensic techniques could help solve triple murder 30 years ago
Police believe modern forensic techniques could solve the murders of a young mother and her two children who died 30 years ago.
Diane Jones, 21, and her daughters, two-year-old Shauna and one-year-old Sarah-Jane, died in a fire at their home in Wales after petrol was poured into their letterbox.
The two women were convicted of arson at the Gurnos Estate Merthyr Tydfil property in 1997, but their convictions were later overturned.
Thirty years later, the murders remain unsolved.
But South Wales Police is hoping advances in forensic technology could deliver a long-awaited breakthrough in the case.
The family was found dead in the upstairs bedroom of their three-bedroom end-of-terrace house on the Gurnos estate on October 11, 1995.
Miss Jones’ sister, Mary Jones, told how her life was “shattered into a million pieces” following the tragedy and said her father, John, committed suicide in 2003 after struggling with the loss of his daughter and grandchildren.
Diane’s mother, Myra, also died without receiving justice.
Mary Jones said: “It’s been 30 years but as a family we still live through this nightmare as if it happened yesterday.
“Not only did we lose our sisters and nieces, but we also lost our parents. It broke their hearts and they were never the same.
“As a family, we will never stop fighting for justice. My mother and father could not see justice, but I hope I will see it for them.”
Detective Chief Inspector Gareth Davies said: “This tragic incident, which claimed the innocent lives of a mother and her two children, sent shockwaves through Gurnos and has cast a shadow over the community ever since.
“Diane’s family has gone without answers for decades and has suffered immeasurably as a result.
“Officers re-examining this case are hopeful that new forensic technology and techniques not previously available will provide opportunities to advance the investigation.
“Our hope is that we can uncover new evidence that will provide the breakthrough we need to find out who is responsible.”
