Glasgow’s Barlanark community was rocked on July 24, 2019, by the mysterious disappearance of Rhys Bonner, a cherished Celtic fan. Despite the community’s united efforts in the widespread search, the devastating discovery of Rhys’s partially unclothed body in Seven Lochs Wetland Park on August 8, 2019, raised suspicions of foul play, leaving his mother, Stephanie Bonner, haunted by questions about her son’s fate.
Stephanie’s poignant message on Rhys’s 24th heavenly birthday expressed the pain of another year without him, promising to continue fighting for justice. The post touched on cherished memories, the family’s struggle, and gratitude for the ongoing support. The hashtags #JUSTICEFORRHYS, #corruptpolice, and #forever19 reflect the family’s determination to seek justice and keep Rhys’s memory alive.
In the social media post Stepanie said
Happy heavenly 24th birthday To my handsome firstborn 
can’t believe this is your 5th birthday without me your mum and family
The heartbreaking pain from that day your were taken has never ever went away I died that day to son we all did nothing will ever be the same
I still wait for you to come home 
you are our life and it’s never going to change your my firstborn your my 
your my every breath with each breath I struggle to breath without you every day I wake up that’s if I sleep I lose you all over that’s why I don’t want to sleep it’s soul destroying
It’s the simple things in life you loved the best part about your birthday was the cake that you eat all to yourself You loved it just being with us your family our wee movie night and picnics was you fave
Here I am another year without you having to go by you flowers for your bench when I should be wrapping your presents I’m lost and always looking for you son I miss your touch your smell your kiss but most of all your voice I miss hearing mum
I promise I wil die fighting for you son I wil never stop we will never stop you must be looking down so proud of everyone your 4 siblings dad gran grandad Auntie Amanda uncle Stephen and your cousins and everyone of you all
But most of all I know you will be looking down saying my mums got Michelle Antosik Alex Okane from No1seems2care Rhys son they keep me alive they keep me strong they keep my fighting but most of all they keep you in there heart they fight every single day for you our hero’s 
I just want to thank everyone of you all for your continued support it gives me courage strength determination and help other families that’s what my boy would want we will get #JUSTICEFORRHYS
#coruptpolice
Heaven must look so beautiful you keep shinning bright and keeping that sky beautiful 
I’m your mum you are my life I will never stop I promise son
Until we meet again my everything
Despite the passage of time, Stephanie’s determination to uncover the truth about her son’s final moments remains unshaken. She firmly believes that Rhys met a violent end and that vital information about the circumstances surrounding his death has been withheld. One key lead involves an “unidentified” woman seen with Rhys shortly before his disappearance. This woman, described as aged 45 or older with short hair and a “tomboyish” appearance, was captured on CCTV walking alongside Rhys. Their movements through various areas, including Conisborough Road, have become crucial points of interest.
Stephanie’s frustration grows from what she perceives as a lack of progress and transparency from authorities. Her pleas for answers have seemingly fallen on deaf ears, leading her to accuse Police Scotland of conducting a subpar investigation. Chief Inspector Patrick Murphy, however, responded in 2020, asserting that a thorough inquiry found no evidence of criminality in Rhys’s death. Despite submitting a report to the Crown and Procurator Fiscal Service, the family remains unsatisfied with the lack of clarity and closure.
In 2023, the Scottish Government’s Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee took notice of Stephanie’s emotional testimony and committed to writing to Police Scotland. Stephanie’s call for increased support for families affected by unexplained deaths struck a chord, emphasizing the need for more empathetic and thorough investigations. Stephanie highlighted the importance of initial evidence collection, timely toxicology and pathology findings, consistent updates to families, and improved communication channels during missing person’s inquiries.
As the tragic death of Rhys Bonner continues to baffle, Stephanie’s quest for truth and justice persists. Driven by her unwavering love for her son, she refuses to let his memory fade into obscurity. The plea for information and accountability resonates throughout Glasgow, reminding all of the need to bring closure to grieving families. As Stephanie’s relentless pursuit unfolds, the echoes of her call for justice only grow louder.
