Who killed John 'The Badge' Roberts today remains a mystery, ten years on from the baffling and brutal slaying.
The devoted Newcastle United fan was found battered to death in his Gateshead home on December 16, 2012.
The discovery sparked one of the biggest murder probes in Northumbria Police's history as detectives poured over every aspect of the 32-year-old's life in a bid to discover who killed him and why.
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Yet today, a decade on, police are no closer to getting justice for John's family. And as the case reaches this milestone anniversary a friend of the victim has told of his sadness that he still has no idea why his pal was killed.
Mark Ruz, 43, who travelled round the country with John as they followed their beloved football team together, said: "It was a massive shock when it happened. I have no idea why anyone would want him dead. I'd just like to know why? I think a lot of people would like to know that.
"I'm surprised no one was ever convicted. I think a lot of people are. It's sad to think no one has ever been brought to justice. The police should still be investigating it."
A spokesman for Northumbria Police explained the investigation into John's death is still open, and officers were still keen to hear from anyone who might be able to help solve the mystery.
He said: "This incident took place 10 years ago and our thoughts remain with John’s family and friends.
“As a force, we will continue to act on any new lines of enquiry or information as we look to establish the circumstances surrounding John’s death. Unsolved murders are never closed and are always subject to periodic reviews.
“If any new information comes to light, we will ensure that it is fully investigated."
Life long Toon fan John lived a simple life, but was well known around Winlaton, where he lived, and at St James Park. He earned his nickname selling pin badges to fans on matchdays.
His body was found on Sunday, December 16, 2012 when police officers on patrol in Winlaton noticed the door to his Park Terrace home had been left open and went to investigate.
The dad, who was last seen alive the previous Thursday, had been the victim of a violent attack and died of a serious head injury.
A huge manhunt was launched with detectives carrying out more than 2,500 house-to-house enquiries.
Northumbria Police also handed out hundreds of leaflets to Newcastle United supporters on match days asking for information.
Officers even took the unusual step of using an actor to film a reconstruction of John’s last movements.
In the months after John's death a number of people were arrested on suspicion of murdering him.
But all were eventually released without charge.
Mark got to know John when they were both young.
"I used to travel on the bus with him to away games," he said. "He was just one of the lads. He was outgoing, he loved his football and he loved his drink.
"He was well known amongst Newcastle United fans. He use to go everywhere with Newcastle, home and away."
And Mark, from Kenton in Newcastle, said there had been a theory that John's murder might be linked to football.
"A few people said it must have been football related, but I don't know what to think," he said. "It's just a total mystery. It's sad."
Several different detectives have taken charge of the murder probe over the past 10 years.
The first detective to lead the investigation was Det Chief Insp Andy Potts, of Northumbria Police’s Major Crime Team, who later retired. Three weeks after the murder he explained how officers had been speaking to John's friends and associates to try and build a picture of his life.
He said: "Since the night that John's body was found in his home in Gateshead we have been carrying out numerous enquiries into his death and following a number of lines of enquiry. We have had a positive response from the public and spoken to a number of people who had seen John in the days leading up to his death.
"We are continuing to follow up a number of leads but are still extremely keen to hear from anyone who might have any information that could help us track down whoever was responsible for murdering John. He was a well known man in the area, particularly among Newcastle United fans and he had a wide network of friends and associates and we've spoken to a large number of these, but there could still be people who know something and haven't contacted us to pass it on."
In January 2013, one month on from John's murder, there was a new detective in charge of the case.
And Det Supt Roger Ford told the told the Chronicle of his belief that Newcastle United fans could hold the key to identifying John's killers.
The focus of the murder investigation was turned onto St James' Park, where police mingled with fans ahead of a home game, and handed out leaflets bearing pictures of John.
Det Supt Ford said: "John was a big Newcastle fan, so we have spoken to supporters who attended the game on Saturday and asked them to contact us if they have any information that could help the investigation.
“There is the potential for someone among those thousands of fans to know something or have some piece of information that could lead to us tracking down whoever murdered John."
In December 2017, five years after John was killed his mum Jennifer made an emotional plea for information as if was revealed that John's dad, David, had died without finding out who killed his son.
Jennifer said: "In May this year my husband, John's father, died. He died without ever knowing who took his son's life or why they killed him.
"I'm now left to carry the burden of grief and the not knowing about John on my own, as well as the grief of losing my husband.
"I want to plead with those who were responsible or with anyone who knows something and hasn't yet had the courage to come forward.
"John was attacked in his own home, a place where, despite his problems, he was entitled to feel safe.
"After five years of knowing you have taken another person's life away from them and their family it must weigh heavily on that person or people involved.
"Guilt weighs on the soul and secrets creep into the corners of your life. I want to urge you to do the right thing and hand yourself in to police."
And Det Chief Insp Lisa Theaker, who has since left Northumbria Police for another force, revealed how John's murder kept her awake at night.
She said: "Your unsolved murders are the ones that always keep you awake at night and it is very frustrating.
“But is only a matter of time before we find out who’s responsible. And we won’t give up until we do.
“We are still no closer to establishing a motive. It is rare, we don’t get that many unsolved murders and it’s very frustrating from an SIO’s point of view, especially when I heard that John’s dad had died.
“They are a lovely family. John’s had some troubles in his life but they are a lovely family and they cared for him deeply. When you sit talking to them you feel their pain.”
Anyone with information about John's death is asked to call Northumbria Police on 101 or pass information through the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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