Husband Charged with Murder of Missing Wife 20 Years On
Twists in Two-Decade Deal Disappearance
In a stunning turn, Andrew Griggs, 56, has been charged with murdering his wife Debbie Griggs, who vanished from Deal 20 years ago. Debbie, just 34 and a devoted mum of three, disappeared from their Walmer home late on 15 May 1999.
Major Crime Unit Cracks Cold Case
Detective Superintendent Paul Fotheringham, head of Kent Police’s Major Crime team, confirmed the charge was authorised by the Crown Prosecution Service. Kent and Essex’s Serious Crime Directorate swooped on 12 March 2019 to arrest Griggs at his St Leonards, Dorset address.
Details Emerge as Court Appearance Looms
Griggs was immediately taken to Medway Magistrates’ Court, facing the charge the same day. Despite decades of exhaustive searches and public appeals, Debbie’s fate remained a mystery—until now.
The case shines a spotlight on one of Kent’s most baffling missing persons cases, reopening painful memories for family and locals alike.
