The mother who is clinging to life has revealed what happened. Detectives are now more passionate than ever about solving gruesome murders
Thirty years after the unsolved murder of a mother attacked in a church cemetery, detectives are renewing their efforts to find her killer.
On December 23, 1994, Tracey Mertens was doused with petrol and set alight in Eton Churchyard, near Congleton, Cheshire.
Although Mertens suffered burns to approximately 95 percent of her body, she survived for 12 hours and told detectives as much information as she could before her death.
Now 30 years later, detectives from Cheshire Police are desperate to crack the case, particularly for the sake of the woman’s two children. But they say the public’s help is needed to get more information about what happened.
Mertens’ sister Sharon Howarth (left) and their mother Barbara Mertens appeal for information in 1995 (Pennsylvania)
Detectives believe Mertens, who lives in Rochdale, was abducted by two men as she went to collect a welfare book from her former home in Birmingham.
Mertens told police two men showed up at the door and put her into the back seat of a yellow Ford Escort.
She was taken to Eton churchyard in Cheshire where she was set on fire.
Tracey Mertens told police everything she could before she died (Pennsylvania)
She was spotted by a member of the public and she was taken to hospital.
Inspector Nigel Reid, of Cheshire Police, said: “This week marks the 30th anniversary of Tracey’s death and understandably it remains a very difficult time for her family.”
“Tracy’s death at the hands of her killer was tragic and horrific. She was very brave and told detectives as much as she could before she died.
Cheshire police distributed a yellow Ford Escort car similar to the one Tracey Mertens was bundled into (Pennsylvania)
“Despite an extensive investigation, including arrests, forensic reviews and Crown Prosecution Service recommendations, to date no one has been convicted in connection with Tracy’s death and the file remains open.
“As an organization we will continue to review uncovered investigations and will always act on any new information. So as Tracy’s family prepare to spend another Christmas without her, I appeal to anyone who Anyone with information regarding Tracy’s death please contact us.
Cheshire Police urges anyone with information to contact the Operation Eaton Investigation Team on 101 or via www.cheshire.police.uk/tell-us quoting IML 1983827.
