Fresh appeal launched to track killer who stabbed father-of-two to death in busy east London pub 16 years ago

 
Police appeal: John Kennedy was killed 16 years ago in a pub
Staff|Agency28 November 2013
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Police today launched a fresh appeal to track down the killer of a man who was stabbed to death in an east London pub 16 years ago.

John Kennedy, 31, was killed on the night of February 8, 1997, after a fight in the busy Railway Arms pub in Shadwell.

Sixteen years later, nobody has been convicted - despite around 60 people being inside the pub when the father-of-two arrived at around 3am.

DCI John Sandlin, of the Met's homicide and major crime command, said those people "saw or know what happened but for whatever reason chose not to talk to police".

The BBC's Crimewatch programme will tonight broadcast an appeal for information, as Mr Kennedy's distraught relatives "cannot rest until justice is served", DCI Sullivan said.

A £20,000 reward is available for anyone who can provide information which would lead to the arrest and prosecution of the knifeman, police said. A man was arrested and charged with the murder in March 1997, but not convicted.

Mr Kennedy, a self-employed electrician, was the brother of Jade Jones from the boy band Damage, who is the long-term boyfriend of former Spice Girl Emma Bunton.

Mr Kennedy had been out the night before his death with friends.

They had gone to several pubs before arriving at the Railway Arms.

He was approached by a man he knew and "an animated conversation took place," Scotland Yard said.

It turned into a fight. One of Mr Kennedy's friends tried to intervene but he was dragged back by his shirt collar and pulled to the floor. He was hit in the face and continued to be assaulted.

The main suspect pulled out a knife, lunged at Mr Kennedy and stabbed him. Mr Kennedy collapsed to the ground and the suspect made off in a car with another man, detectives said.

Mr Kennedy was taken to the Royal London Hospital but died of a a single stab wound to the abdomen at 8.20am.

Mr Sandlin said: "We hope appearing on BBC Crimewatch, and the continued offer of a substantial reward, will encourage people to come forward.

"There were approaching 60 people in the Railway Arms at that time who saw or know what happened but for whatever reason chose not to talk to police.

"There were others who did initially talk to us but then withdrew their statements.

"It has been 16 years since John was murdered and people and lives move on. Some of those reluctant to talk to us at the time may now feel able to. We would ask them to please come forward and help us now.

"John's family cannot rest until justice is served."

Mr Kennedy's family said during appeals in June: "We would like to appeal for witnesses to come forward with any vital information regarding John's senseless murder back in February 1997. Please help us to finally get justice for our loved one who is forever missed and will never be forgotten.

"There are many people who witnessed this murder and have not spoken out due to either misguided loyalty or code of conduct.

"John's life was taken away and the murderer should be held accountable for his death. Please find it in your hearts after 16 years to do the right thing and help bring the person responsible to justice."

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