Thames Valley Police have launched a fresh appeal for information, marking 30 years since the unsolved and brutal murder of Janet Brown, a 51-year-old research nurse whose death in the quiet village of Radnage continues to haunt her family and investigators.
The case remains a priority for the force’s Major Crime Investigation Review Team, which is hopeful that advancements in DNA technology and public cooperation could finally unlock long-awaited answers.
A Tragic Night in 1995
Janet was found dead in her Sprigs Holly Lane home on 11 April 1995 by a builder and his son, who had arrived to carry out scheduled work. A post-mortem revealed she had suffered severe head injuries, having been gagged, handcuffed, and repeatedly struck. Police believe the fatal attack took place the evening before, between 8:15pm and 10:15pm.
Despite intensive inquiries over the decades, detectives found no signs of theft or sexual assault, and a motive for the killing has never been established.
DNA Evidence: A Glimmer of Hope
A key development in the cold case has been the recovery of a DNA profile from the crime scene—one that does not match any of Janet’s family or known associates.
"We believe this DNA could be the breakthrough we need," said Principal Investigator Peter Beirne. "Over 1,000 people have been tested and excluded. We now need the public’s help. Do you know someone who has acted strangely when this case is mentioned, either fixated or avoiding it entirely?"
Police are urging anyone with suspicions to come forward—even if the person in question is now deceased or living abroad. DNA can still be compared through relatives. Tips can be submitted via Thames Valley Police (reference 695, 4/4) or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
A Daughter’s Plea for Justice
Speaking on behalf of the family, Janet’s daughter Zara Harden, now in her 50s, shared the emotional toll of three decades without answers.
"It’s baffling and heartbreaking. Mum had no enemies. Nothing was taken. It was senseless," she said. "She was only 50, with so much life ahead. We miss her every day."
Zara expressed fears that the person responsible could still be a danger:
"Whoever did this could have hurt someone else—or might again. Someone out there knows something. There would’ve been blood, signs. It’s never too late to speak up."
Public Reaction and Investigation Efforts
Public sentiment online mirrors the family’s frustration. On platform X, one user wrote, "30 years and still no justice for Janet Brown? Someone’s hiding something." Another commented, "That DNA could be the key—hope people come forward."
The investigation faces hurdles common to cold cases, including time and fading memories. But modern forensic science—especially improvements in DNA profiling—has provided new tools to re-examine old evidence. A £20,000 Crimestoppers reward remains available for information leading to arrest and conviction.
How to Help
Anyone with information, no matter how minor it may seem, is encouraged to contact authorities:
- Thames Valley Police on 101 (quote reference 695, 4/4)
- Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111
- Visit the Cleveland Police website or Find Donna site for background on similar cold cases
A Call for Closure
Thirty years have passed, but for Janet Brown’s family, the grief is as raw as ever. With new technology and continued public outreach, there is still hope that the person responsible will be brought to justice.
"We will never stop looking," said Zara. "We just want to know the truth—and for whoever did this to finally be held accountable."
For more on cold case investigations and how you can help, visit our Cold Case Files section.
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