THE family of a Shinfield Rise woman found dead two decades ago have made a fresh appeal to catch the murderer.
Speaking on the 20th anniversary of the discovery of Vera Holland’s body, Andrew Bennett and his sister Dawn Reid, asked anyone with information relating to the crime to contact Thames Valley Police.
The pair were speaking at a press conference organised by Thames Valley Police on Friday, November 11.
Around 5.30am on Saturday, November 16, 1996, the fire service received a call to a fire near a fly-tip known as ‘Two Bridges’ close to the Thames Water pumping station off the A327 between Arborfield and Shinfield.
A pile of rubbish was on fire and after extinguishing the blaze the fire-fighters discovered the body of a woman faced down.
The body was later identified as that of Vera Holland, aged 47, from St Barnabas Road, Shinfield Rise.
A post mortem revealed that she had been strangled.
Vera Holland’s body discovered by fire fighters
Peter Beirne, head of Thames Valley Police’s major crime review team, said: “Twenty years ago, on the morning of Saturday, November 16, 1996, the body of Vera Holland was found on an illegal tip, close to the Thames Water pumping station at Two Bridges on the A327 between Arborfield and Shinfield.
“Berkshire Fires and Rescue had been called to the area at about 5.30am where a member of the public had reported a fire at the tip.
“While dealing with the fire, officers discovered the body of Vera, who was partially clothed. It appears that the fire was started in an attempt to dispose of her body.
“There were also reports of a fire at the same site, near the Thames Water pumping station, on the evening of Friday, November 15.
“Vera had last been seen on Thursday, November 14. She had been reported missing by her husband when she failed to return after leaving home to buy a takeaway from KFC, which was situated on Shinfield Road.
“This shop was only a five-minute walk from Vera’s home in St Barnabas Road.
“It is not believed that Vera actually made it to the shop, as she did not appear on the CCTV. The shop is still in the same location.
“It is reported that she was wearing a pink coat, a green tartan shirt, a black jumper and black shoes. None of the clothes have ever been recovered.
“A review of the original investigation into Vera’s murder has commenced.
“The public did assist and came forward with information in 1996, however, I do feel that there are people who have some information who, for whatever reason, have not spoken to the police.
“It might be that allegiances have changed in the last 20 years or you know something now that you didn’t at the time.
“I would urge anyone that has any information to make contact with the police on 101 and quote reference 497 (9/11/16) or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
“Vera’s family have waited a long time for justice. With your help we can find out what happened and bring those responsible for justice.”
Family appeal’s to public to come forward
Andrew Bennett and his sister Dawn Reid, two of Vera’s children, released a statement at the press conference.
“Twenty years ago, someone murdered our Mum,” they said.
“In doing so, they robbed us of the love and care that she brought to our family. Our children – her grandchildren – never got to know her properly, and Mum never had the opportunity to see her grandchildren grow.
“Having your Mum murdered is a really awful thing to happen to anyone.
“What made Mum’s death even more difficult for us was the callous way her body was dumped among rubbish and then set fire to. It robbed her of any dignity.
“What adds to our anguish is not knowing who was responsible for this horrific crime, and that they have been able to carry on with their life for the last 20 years.
“We have had 20 years of not knowing who did this. There must be some people that have information that could help the police.
“We appeal to you to think of how you would feel if it was your mum that had been killed in such a way, and ask that you contact the police with any information, no matter how small, as it may help.”
As part of its appeal for information, Thames Valley Police is using the hashtag #verahollandsmurder on social media.
