Police remain desperate to track down the real murderer of 18-year-old Kieran Williams, who was brutally stabbed at least 23 times and dumped in a shallow grave back in 2022.
Chilling Details of the Murder
Kieran disappeared from his Sunderland home on Easter Monday, April 18, 2022. Six weeks later, his decomposed body was discovered in a 75cm-deep makeshift grave near a disused industrial estate. His clothes showed signs of being set on fire, but the damage was limited to the fabric, not his body. At Newcastle Crown Court, jurors heard how Kieran suffered a “prolonged and sustained attack” with over 20 stab wounds, including fatal injuries to his chest, neck, liver, and heart membrane. He died from massive blood loss.
Conviction, But Real Killer Still Free
Two men arrested over the savage killing were acquitted of murder. Louis Hackett was found guilty of manslaughter and sentenced to five years’ jail. The judge confirmed the true killer remains out there. Hackett, who has learning difficulties, reportedly “pestered” Kieran to meet on the fatal day. Witnesses said he stood by Kieran’s dying body as others set the fire and helped bury him. Hackett also “persistently lied,” delaying the police search for over six weeks.
Police Plea: Fingerprints Could Crack the Case
Detective Superintendent Matt Steel, leading the investigation, has renewed the appeal on the fourth anniversary of Kieran’s disappearance:
“This was a horrific case where a young man was brutally stabbed at least 23 times. Our thoughts remain with Kieran’s family. We are committed to finding the others involved.”
“Unidentified fingerprints found at the scene are crucial. Someone out there knows who they belong to but stays silent. We urge anyone with information to come forward. No tip is too small.”
Northumbria Police will be collecting fingerprints from the local community as enquiries ramp up. The force reminded anyone who visited the grave site, formerly owned by Coles Cranes, between April 15 and June 2, 2022, to get in touch to rule themselves out of the investigation. The independent charity Crimestoppers is offering a reward for information leading to justice for Kieran. Anyone with tips should contact Northumbria Police immediately.
