Police reopened the tragic case of the 31-year-old who was stabbed after a fight at the Railway Arms pub in east London, with no one coming forward at the time despite around 60 people being present.
The inquiry has been restarted after a cold-case review was carried out, which established there was now a possibility of a breakthrough.
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Speaking about the father-of-two on Crimewatch last night, 34-year-old Jade- who has sons Tate Lee Jones, Beau Lee Jones with 37-year-old Emma, said:
‘His life was taken from him at such a young age and it was difficult for the family and myself- it was just a really hard time.’
The process of reviewing the case began in 2010 and it was referred back to the Homicide and Serious Crime Command to be reopened.
Detectives reinvestigating the murder have launched a fresh appeal for witnesses to come forward and speak to them in confidence, offering a £20,000 reward for information leading up to an arrest and conviction.
Chief Inspector John Sandlin said:
‘There were approaching 60 people in the Railway Arms at that time who saw or know what happened but for whatever reason chose not to talk to police.
‘There were others who did initially talk to us but then withdrew their statements.
‘It has been 16 years since John was murdered and people and lives move on. Some of those reluctant to talk to us at the time may now feel able to.
‘We would ask them to please come forward and help us now. John's family cannot rest until justice is served.’