The mother, who is clinging to life, revealed what happened. Now detectives are more determined than ever to solve the gruesome murder
Three decades after the unsolved murder of a mother who was attacked in a churchyard, detectives have renewed their quest to find her killer or killers.
Tracey Mertens was doused in petrol and set on fire in Eaton churchyard near Congleton, Cheshire, on 23 December 1994. She was 31 years old.
Despite burns to nearly 95 percent of his body, Mertens lived for 12 hours and was able to tell detectives as much as he could before he died.
Now, 30 years later, detectives from Cheshire Police want to solve the case, especially for the woman’s two children. But they say help from the public is needed to get more information about what happened.
Merten’s sister Sharon Howarth, left, and their mother, Barbara Mertens, make a plea in 1995 (PA)
Detectives believe Mertens, who lived in Rochdale, was abducted by two men when he visited his former home in Birmingham to pick up a benefits letter.
Mertens told police that two men turned up at the door and tied him up in the back of a yellow Ford Escort.
He was taken to Eaton churchyard in Cheshire where he was cremated.
Tracey Mertens told police everything she could do before she died (PA)
A member of the public saw him and he was taken to hospital.
“This week marks the 30th anniversary of Tracey’s death – a very difficult time for her family,” said Det Insp Nigel Reid of Cheshire Police.
“Tracey met a violent and horrific death at the hands of her killers. He was brave and told the detectives as much as he could before he died.
Cheshire Police handover of a Yellow Ford Escort car, similar to the one Tracey Mertens put together (PA)
“Although many inquiries have been completed, including arrests, investigation reviews, and CPS advice, to date no one has been convicted in connection with Tracey’s death, and the file remains open.
“As an organization, we continue to review the pending investigation and will always update any new information. So, as Tracey’s family prepare to spend another Christmas Day without her, I would urge anyone with information about Tracey’s death to get in touch.”
Cheshire Police are urging anyone with information to contact the Operation Eaton detective team on 101 or post at www.cheshire.police.uk/tell-us quoting IML 1983827.
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