THE FAMILY of a Coventry man killed in a double murder three years ago have appealed for help in finding his body.
Johnny Robbins, aged 33, disappeared on March 21, 2018, and police believe he was tortured before being murdered.
Despite searches, his body has not been found which is extremely painful for his family, who have been unable to lay him to rest.
His family said: “Not a day goes by that Johnny isn’t missed and thought about by his family. His children, his mum, his brothers and sisters and his many friends.
“It’s been three long, distraught years and we’re still no nearer to knowing what happened to him, why it happened or where he is.
“However, we are confident that the homicide team working on this case are as committed now as they were three years ago and that they will achieve justice for Johnny, Daniel Shaw and our families.”
The family thanked the community for coming forward with information but added: “We know there’s more information out there and we plead with anyone who knows anything leading up to Johnny’s kidnapping and subsequent murder and the murder of Daniel Shaw to please come forward with what you know.
“Even if you think it may be insignificant, irrelevant, or that the police might already know that information, please come forward.
“You can contact Crimestoppers, it’s completely confidential or you can write a note to a local shop or business, anything, we can’t do this without your continued help.”
Flowers laid by Johnny’s daughter. s
Johnny’s death was linked to Daniel Shaw’s murder. Daniel was found with gunshot injuries to his chest in Copland Place in the Tile Hill area on March 25, 2018.
Police believe before Johnny was murdered he was taken to Daniel Shaw’s home in Torrington Avenue on March 21, 2018.
A number of people have been arrested during the ongoing and extensive investigation for a number of offences and have all been released while investigations continue.
Police are currently working with the CPS and will soon be presenting the extensive and complex evidence gathered as part of the probe.
Because of the complexity of the case it is likely to be a lengthy process but officers want to make it clear they are still actively seeking justice for Johnny, Daniel and their families and that the case remains very much active.
Police say whilst they understand many people are frightened to talk about it, the information they have could be crucial – it could help Johnny’s grieving family, including his three young children, be able to put him to rest properly. The situation is heart-breaking for the family.
Supt Chris Mallett, who leads the investigation, said: “I’d like to speak once again directly to the people of Coventry – these sickening murders happened on your streets. Streets where your families and loved ones live, these levels of violence are completely incomprehensible and should not be tolerated.
“It’s time to make a stand against violence like this.
“The people responsible have been protected for too long. I understand people’s fears and concerns, but I urge you to do the right thing and tell us what you know.
Daniel Shaw. s
“Johnny and Daniel’s family and friends have been suffering for three years, there is no closure for them when there are still so many questions surrounding what happened, and those responsible are walking freely, and not paying for what they did.
“I’m sure these people may think they’ve got away with what they did, but I’d like them to know we’ve continued to piece together a vast amount of information and we do know who committed these murders. However, we still need those who know who was involved in this large and complicated web of criminality and deceit, to give us the information we require to secure charges against them.
“We understand and sympathise with people who are living in fear of this group, and why they are reluctant to tell us what they know formally. But together we must work together and show them it’s not acceptable in our communities.
“Please be assured that anyone who can give us information that will help us put these violent and cowardly murderers in prison will be protected by us.
“As well as any information you might have about the people involved in carrying out these murders, or about people who helped those involved, we desperately need to know where Johnny’s body was disposed.
“As I am sure you can imagine his family are desperate to be able to lay him to rest properly. I know people within the community in Tile Hill know this information and many may have heard it from others in the area.
“For Johnny’s family’s sake please pick up the phone, anonymously if needs be, and tell us where his remains are.
“We continue to support and update Johnny and Daniel’s families, I’d like to reaffirm my sincere condolences at this incredibly difficult and painful time. Their patience, understanding and courage is truly admirable and my thoughts remain with them as I strive to get them the answers they so desperately need. Imagine how you would feel it if were your loved one? Please help me to do this.”
Anyone with any information is urged contact the West Midlands Police homicide team via 101. Alternatively ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 – the call will be anonymous.
