Two grieving families have been supported as they continue to search for the person who murdered their children.
Best friends John Greenwood and Gary Miller, both aged 11, were found by a dog walker 42 years ago in a rubbish tip in Whiston on August 16, 1980. They both had horrific injuries and died shortly afterwards.
Alma Miller, mother of Gary Miller and Barbara Greenwood, mother of John Greenwood fought tirelessly to get justice for their two sons and had not given up hope of finally knowing what happened to them and who cruelly took away their lives. ECHO readers have sent messages of support to the two mums as they continue their quest for justice.
READ MORE: Tragic murders of the schoolboy friends found beneath a mattress by a dog walker
Fran Russell said: "I just pray that these two mothers are given justice after all these years." Theresa Rogers added: "Thoughts and prayers are with their families there are no words for anyone who has lost a child no matter what their age. Hope you get the justice you need for John, and Gary."
Louise Shannon wrote: "This is heartbreaking for the poor family. May those poor mums get justice and may the boys rest in peace."
Carol Parr added: "This is the first I've heard of this. A parent's worst nightmare to lose a child, but it must be awful to have no closure. RIP lads. God bless you and your families."
The two boys had gone out to play on that evening with John celebrating Liverpool's 3-0 win against Crystal Palace. Gary, an Everton fan, had been given special permission from his mum after initially being told he could not go out to play.
The murder rocked the whole of Merseyside and people continue to keep the families in their thoughts.
Patricia Smith said: "I remember this, I was 20. This is so sad and the mums and families have had to live with this for 42 years with no understanding as to why and who did this to their kids. Innocent children playing out. I hope that one day they will find out the truth. RIP John and Gary, forever friends."
Initially, a man from nearby Prescot, John Cheeseman, was prosecuted for their murder but cleared at Liverpool Crown Court after a series of issues with the case were exposed. Around 36 years later a new potential suspect emerged after a new witness claimed a man turned up at her door on the night of the murders with “what looked like red paint” on his trousers.
The new investigation hit a wall in 2019, when a file was submitted by police to the Director of Public Prosecutions calling for him to authorise detectives' next steps. The bid was refused, though police were told that could change if "compelling" new evidence was provided.
An apology was issued by then Chief Constable Andy Cooke who met with the boys' families. He said: "On behalf of Merseyside Police I want to offer our sincere apologies to the families of John and Gary, and I would like to reassure them that we remain committed to finding the person(s) responsible."
