Daughter Seeks Justice for Mother's Murder After 30-Year Cold Case

Zara Harden, the eldest daughter of Janet Brown, is urgently requesting information to help solve the murder of her mother, who was brutally killed 30 years ago. Janet was found at her home in Buckinghamshire on April 10, 1995, bound, gagged, and dead from severe head trauma, with no apparent motivation for the attack as nothing was stolen during the incident. Thames Valley Police have a DNA sample collected from the crime scene, but it has yet to match any known individuals in their database, making the investigation stagnant.

Despite over 1,000 men being screened and eliminated as potential suspects, the case remains unsolved, leaving Zara and her family frustrated and fearful. She expressed her bewilderment at why anyone would choose to target her small, alone, and vulnerable mother. Zara stated that it’s troubling to know the killer may still be free and could harm other victims, emphasizing the family's desire to see justice served and to prevent further tragedies.

On the night of the murder, Mrs. Brown was home by herself while her husband was working in Switzerland and her children were away or celebrating elsewhere. The investigation revealed that the assailant attempted to break in through a patio door before gaining entry and committing the violent crime between 8:15 PM and 10:15 PM. Her lifeless body was discovered the following morning by a builder and his son.

Peter Beirne, leading the Major Crime Investigation Review Team at Thames Valley Police, has urged anyone with leads or unusual behavioral observations about acquaintances or relatives when discussing Janet’s case to come forward. He insisted that any seemingly small detail could be crucial in finally solving this long-standing case. A DNA profile obtained from the crime scene, distinct from Mrs. Brown's family, may provide a significant avenue for finding the perpetrator. The police have also announced a reward of £20,000 for information that helps secure the arrest and conviction of the individual responsible for this heinous crime. Individuals with potential leads can contact authorities directly or through Crimestoppers to remain anonymous.