Catching Valerie Graves' killer still a priority, police insist

POLICE insist catching Valerie Graves' killer remains a priority as the third anniversary of her shocking death approaches.

The 55-year-old grandmother was found brutally murdered in her bedroom of a property she was house-sitting in Smugglers Lane, Bosham on December 30, 2013.

Valerie Graves was brutally murdered with a hammer in a property in Smugglers Lane on December 30, 2013placeholder image
Valerie Graves was brutally murdered with a hammer in a property in Smugglers Lane on December 30, 2013

An exhaustive forensic search of the crime scene allowed experts to obtain a limited DNA profile. Though it was not enough to search the National DNA Database it indicated the suspect is male.

Sussex Police launched the biggest voluntary mass DNA screening in its history, and to date 2,737 samples have been taken from men who live, work or visit Bosham.

Valerie's family appealing for witnesses a year after her murderplaceholder image
Valerie's family appealing for witnesses a year after her murder

Detective superintendent Jason Taylor said: ‘This investigation remains a priority for Sussex Police and we will do everything reasonably possible to find Valerie’s killer and get justice for her and her family.

‘This time of year is particularly difficult for her family and friends.

‘We are still offering a £10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Valerie’s killer and I would ask anyone who has information to contact police.’

Anyone with information about the murder is asked to call email [email protected] or ring 101 and quote Operation Ensign, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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