??/??/?? - The murder of John Marshall
Essex Police

John Marshall, car dealer left his home in Billericay at about 10am on May 15, 1996 to finalise a business deal in Kent. His black Range Rover is believed to have crossed the Queen Elizabeth II bridge into Kent at about midday on the same day. He didn’t return home and failed to keep other appointments that day. He was reported missing that night by his wife Toni who would normally contact regularly throughout the day.

On May 18 John would have been 35 and his daughters, who were then aged 13 and three, and his son aged six, had bought him presents. He was a devoted family man and his disappearance was completely out of character.

Seven days after he disappeared (on May 22) John’s body was found in straw in the unlocked boot of his Range Rover by a police officer at Round Hill, Sydenham, South London. Enquiries revealed that his car had been abandoned in the Sydenham location early on the morning following his disappearance.

John had been shot twice in the head and chest execution style. The only thing clear about the weapon was that it wasn’t a shotgun. The Range Rover keys, a grey ‘Head’ sports bag, two mobile phones and a Patek Philippe 18ct gold watch with a blue face were missing. However £5,000 cash that he had taken with him the morning he disappeared was still in the vehicle.

If you have any information which might help solve this crime contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. All calls are treated in the strictest of confidence. You do not have to give your name of details and you may be eligible for a reward.