The Unsolved Murder of Jessica Sadler
Jessica Louise Sadler was a 15-year-old honours student from Leverts Chapel. She was described as a vibrant and well-liked girl.
On Friday 19th October 2001, Jessica went for a walk in the woods near her home. Jessica had walked the area before and always followed a well-travelled path many people in the small community used. Jessica never returned home.
On 23rd October volunteers re-searched the woods and found Jessica's body about 100 yards away from her home in an illegal dumpsite. The body was covered in trash. Jessica had been assaulted, strangled and had blunt force injuries to her head. Her clothes were folded neatly next to her body, leading investigators to think she probably knew her killer.
Jessica's boyfriend, Curtis Howard, was arrested and charged with sexual assault. He admitted to having consensual sex with Jessica but denied assaulting her and denied any involvement in her death. Curtis was never charged with murder but stood trial for sexual assault. Jessica's boyfriend was acquitted as there was no DNA or physical evidence. Curtis remained the prime suspect.
No one has ever been charged with Jessica's murder and the case remains unsolved.