25 Years On: Hunt Continues for Killer of Kate Bushell
It’s been 25 years since Kate Bushell was savagely murdered while walking a neighbour’s dog in Exeter. The popular 14-year-old’s throat was cut in a brutal attack by a field near her home. Her body was found by her father on November 15, 1997. Despite the passage of time, police believe someone out there holds the vital clue to catch her killer and are begging them to break their silence.
£20,000 Reward Offered for Crucial Tip-Off
A charity-backed reward of £20,000 is now on the table to anyone who helps land the killer behind bars. Detective Inspector Rob Back from the Force Major Crime Investigation Team said the force is as determined as ever to crack the case.
“It’s been a quarter of a century since this terrible murder, but we have never forgotten Kate. Someone must know what happened. It’s not too late to come forward and provide the vital evidence we need,” DI Back said.
Kate’s brother Tim echoed the plea. “There isn’t a day we don’t think of Kate. We implore anyone with information to help bring her killer to justice,” he said.
Massive Investigation Yet Killer Remains Free
- More than 160 officers worked the case in 1997.
- Over 5,000 house-to-house interviews and DNA samples were taken.
- Three suspects have been questioned and released.
- A 2017 review sparked fresh leads but no breakthrough.
The key to the mystery lies in Kate’s movements that afternoon and witnesses who spotted a small blue car with a man standing beside it. He is described as white, 30-40 years old, average build, clean-shaven, with dark collar-length hair.
Witnesses also reported a ‘running man’ in the area who remains untraced. Police believe these two men are crucial to solving the case. The dog Kate was walking, Gemma, was seen running loose shortly after the murder near the scene.
Orange Fibres and Local Links Could Crack Case
More than 100 tiny orange fibres were found on Kate’s body and at the scene. They come from non-fluorescent workwear like boiler suits or gloves. Police want to know if anyone remembers someone wearing bright orange clothing acting suspiciously.
Given the secluded murder spot, police believe the killer lived or had close ties locally. The area is familiar mainly to locals, and Kate’s path to the field suggests the offender had inside knowledge of the routes.
“Someone must suspect who did this. Maybe misplaced loyalties have kept them silent. It’s time to change that,” DI Back urged.
Kate was a bright, musical schoolgirl with dreams of Oxford, loved basketball, and was dedicated to her church. Her family and police vow not to stop until her killer is brought to justice.
Help Break the Silence
If you know anything, no matter how small, you could be the key to solving this devastating murder. Contact the police via the Major Incident Public Portal. You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or use their online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
