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Irvine cold-case killer urged to examine conscience | Irvine cold-case killer urged to examine conscience |
(4 days later) | |
The killer of a woman who was murdered 25 years ago has been urged to "search your conscience" by police. | The killer of a woman who was murdered 25 years ago has been urged to "search your conscience" by police. |
Shona Stevens was savagely attacked in broad daylight 200 yards (180m) from her home in Irvine, North Ayrshire, in November 1994. | Shona Stevens was savagely attacked in broad daylight 200 yards (180m) from her home in Irvine, North Ayrshire, in November 1994. |
Ms Stevens, 31, suffered "horrific injuries" and died three days later. | Ms Stevens, 31, suffered "horrific injuries" and died three days later. |
Her mother and her daughter, who was only seven at the time, joined police in marking the anniversary with a fresh appeal for information. | Her mother and her daughter, who was only seven at the time, joined police in marking the anniversary with a fresh appeal for information. |
Asked if he had a message for the killer, Det Supt Paul Livingstone said: "It has been 25 years. It is a huge burden. Shona's family have endured this for too long now. Do the right thing and come forward." | Asked if he had a message for the killer, Det Supt Paul Livingstone said: "It has been 25 years. It is a huge burden. Shona's family have endured this for too long now. Do the right thing and come forward." |
On Thursday 10 November, 1994, Ms Stevens left the Co-op at Bourtreehill Shopping Centre and was last seen alone on Towerlands Road at 13:10. | On Thursday 10 November, 1994, Ms Stevens left the Co-op at Bourtreehill Shopping Centre and was last seen alone on Towerlands Road at 13:10. |
Ten minutes later her body was found in bushes near a footpath, close to the rear of her home in Alder Green in the Bourtreehill Park area. | Ten minutes later her body was found in bushes near a footpath, close to the rear of her home in Alder Green in the Bourtreehill Park area. |
Det Supt Livingstone described the attack as "vicious and frenzied". | Det Supt Livingstone described the attack as "vicious and frenzied". |
He said: "Her family have had to endure this for too long now. That's why we are having this appeal 25 years on, because I firmly believe that the answer lies in the local community." | He said: "Her family have had to endure this for too long now. That's why we are having this appeal 25 years on, because I firmly believe that the answer lies in the local community." |
Officers believe a weapon was involved but it was never recovered. | Officers believe a weapon was involved but it was never recovered. |
Det Supt Livingstone also said the inquiry team were keeping an open mind as to a motive for the crime. | Det Supt Livingstone also said the inquiry team were keeping an open mind as to a motive for the crime. |
He would not disclose whether officers had a DNA profile of the suspect but said technology was constantly creating new forensic opportunities. | He would not disclose whether officers had a DNA profile of the suspect but said technology was constantly creating new forensic opportunities. |
During the Elaine Doyle murder trial in 2014 a court heard that convicted killer Gavin McGuire was interviewed in connection with Ms Stevens' murder. | During the Elaine Doyle murder trial in 2014 a court heard that convicted killer Gavin McGuire was interviewed in connection with Ms Stevens' murder. |
Despite extensive media coverage, including a reconstruction of Ms Stevens' final movements, no one has been brought to justice. | |
The senior detective also encouraged anyone who knew the identity of Ms Stevens' attacker to consider the devastating impact the crime has had on her family, especially her daughter. | The senior detective also encouraged anyone who knew the identity of Ms Stevens' attacker to consider the devastating impact the crime has had on her family, especially her daughter. |
He said: "Shona was a young mother who was subject to an unprovoked attack that has left her family devastated and we want to trace those responsible. | He said: "Shona was a young mother who was subject to an unprovoked attack that has left her family devastated and we want to trace those responsible. |
"I think everyone can assume for themselves what it must have been like for any child to grow up without a parent. | "I think everyone can assume for themselves what it must have been like for any child to grow up without a parent. |
"That to me is all the catalyst that anyone should need that, if they have any information, to come forward and tell us about that." | "That to me is all the catalyst that anyone should need that, if they have any information, to come forward and tell us about that." |
He added: "This is very much an open case and we will keep working away until we find who is responsible and bring them to justice." | He added: "This is very much an open case and we will keep working away until we find who is responsible and bring them to justice." |
He said the footpath where Ms Stevens was found was regularly used by the public to access Bourtreehill Shopping Centre. | He said the footpath where Ms Stevens was found was regularly used by the public to access Bourtreehill Shopping Centre. |
As part of the new appeal Ms Stevens' family issued brief statements through Police Scotland. | As part of the new appeal Ms Stevens' family issued brief statements through Police Scotland. |
Daughter Candice, who is now one year older than her late mother, said: "I was only seven at the time of my mum's murder but that does not make it any easier to deal with. | Daughter Candice, who is now one year older than her late mother, said: "I was only seven at the time of my mum's murder but that does not make it any easier to deal with. |
"I spent a large part of my childhood years growing up without my mum and I would please ask anyone who knows anything about the incident to please come forward." | "I spent a large part of my childhood years growing up without my mum and I would please ask anyone who knows anything about the incident to please come forward." |
The victim's mother Mhairi Smith said: "It has been 25 years since Shona was taken from us and we are still as hopeful as ever that those responsible for her murder can be brought to justice. | The victim's mother Mhairi Smith said: "It has been 25 years since Shona was taken from us and we are still as hopeful as ever that those responsible for her murder can be brought to justice. |
"I cannot emphasise enough how important even the smallest piece of information could be in being able to give me and my family closure. | "I cannot emphasise enough how important even the smallest piece of information could be in being able to give me and my family closure. |
"I want to know who was responsible for this attack and why they did it. If you have any information about Shona and her murder please contact the police." | "I want to know who was responsible for this attack and why they did it. If you have any information about Shona and her murder please contact the police." |
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