Janet Brown, 51, was bludgeoned to death at her home in Buckinghamshire, on April 10 1995. But despite DNA evidence and a large investigation, her killer remains at large
The daughter of a medical researcher whose murder has remained a mystery for three decades is pleading for public assistance to catch the perpetrator and prevent future tragedies.
Janet Brown, a 51-year-old mother of three, met a brutal end at her Buckinghamshire residence on April 10, 1995. She was discovered at the bottom of her staircase unclothed, with her mouth gagged and wrists handcuffed.
Despite the violent scene, police are convinced that the motive was not sexual, and curiously, nothing was taken from the house. However, despite a large-scale investigation, Janet’s sick killer has not been found.
Thames Valley Police hold a crucial piece of evidence, a DNA sample from the crime scene believed to belong to the killer, yet it matches no one in their records. Investigators have tirelessly screened and ruled out over 1,000 men, but the culprit remains at large.
Zara Harden, Mrs Brown’s eldest daughter, is confounded by the attack on their home and her vulnerable mother, who stood just 5ft 4in tall and was alone on that fateful evening. Harden expressed her family’s desperation in a fresh plea: “Ultimately her killer, or killers, have so far gotten away with it.
“We want to see them prosecuted, and not to have somebody who is extremely dangerous still be out there on the loose, who could commit other crimes and against other women or other people.
“We just want to stop it happening again.”
On that tragic night, Janet Brown, a former midwife turned research professional at Oxford’s John Radcliffe Hospital, was at her home without company.
On the night of her horror, Janet Brown’s family was scattered. While her older kids, Zara and Benedict, aged 22 and 21, were living away, and her youngest, Roxanne, 17, was out celebrating a mate’s new driving licence, her husband, Dr Grahaem Brown, was abroad in Switzerland for work commitments.
The assailant first attempted to burgle the property by cutting into the patio door but ended up shattering his way in. Police believe Mrs Brown’s murder took place between 8.15pm and 10.15pm on that fateful evening.
A builder and his son, arriving for a scheduled job the next day, stumbled upon the harrowing scene and found Mrs Brown’s deceased body.
In an emotional plea, Ms Harden pressed: “Somebody must know something because there would have been a lot of blood. She was handcuffed and beaten badly, literally bludgeoned to death.
“People shouldn’t hesitate,” she urged. “It’s not too late.”
The head of Thames Valley Police’s Major Crime Investigation Review Team, Peter Beirne, said: “I still believe there are people who have information or suspicions about this vicious murder.
“I would urge anyone with names of people they think could be linked to Janet’s murder or anyone with information to make contact with the police or Crimestoppers.
“Do you have a friend or loved one who acts strangely when this case is mentioned in the news, or someone who is obsessed with this investigation? Any information whatsoever could help my team to finally solve this murder for Janet’s family.
“We have a DNA profile that was left at the scene. It does not belong to the family, and we believe it could be a vital piece of evidence linking the killer to the scene.
“If you have suspicions, it is very easy for our team to trace and request a DNA sample from the person you suspect, or a relative of theirs if they have perhaps passed away or have emigrated.”
A reward of £20,000 is available for any information given to Crimestoppers that leads to the arrest and conviction of the murderer.
Anyone with information can reach out to the police online or by dialling 101, quoting reference 695 (4/8); or to stay anonymous contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or online.
