Detectives have said they believe the answer to the murder of a Chasetown man lies in the Black Country.
Richard Deakin (27) died after he was shot in bed in his Meadway Street home at around 8.30am on July 5.
Ongoing inquiries by detectives from Staffordshire Police’s Major Investigation Department suggest that those responsible may have links to the Wolverhampton, Tipton or Coseley areas.
They are urging anyone with information on the crime or the offenders to contact them.
Detective Chief Inspector Dave Garrett, who is leading the inquiry, said:
“We have been working closely with colleagues from West Midlands Police since Richard’s murder. We have several active lines of inquiry which suggest Richard’s killers could be from the Wolverhampton, Tipton and Coseley area.
“While we’re not ruling out other areas, I would urge people who live in the Black Country to ring us on 01785 233600 if they know anything about Richard’s death.
“We’re determined to catch Richard’s killers and continue to offer his family our full support as they mourn his loss. Those responsible for Richard’s ruthless murder need to be caught and taken off the streets.
“Our officers will treat all calls sensitively and in the strictest confidence. Alternatively, if callers want to remain completely anonymous, they can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
The offenders used a black Vauxhall Corsa which is believed to have had two men inside – a driver and a front-seat passenger. The Corsa was found abandoned less than a mile away in Coppy Nook Lane, Burntwood.
Mr Deakin, who went to Cheslyn Hay High School, moved to Chasetown with his fiancee Megan in 2008 where they lived with their daughters, Ellie (4) and Jessica (2).
An appeal about his murder is set to feature on the next edition of Crimewatch at 9pm on BBC 1 on December 14.
Two men have been arrested in connection with Mr Deakin’s death and remain on police bail pending further inquiries.
The people that did this dastardly deed need to be handed in as soon as is physically possible. They have sentenced Richard’s wife and young daughters and other family members to relentless grief from that day forward. Why? what wrong did they do to them. They need dragging by the scruff of their neck into custody and taught a lesson or two. Wretched rotters!