A murder investigation spanning more than a decade could finally be cracked by a dentist who recognises their own work.
Part of the victim’s skull was discovered by two campers in Clocaenog Forest, Conwy county, Wales, in 2015. The remainder of his skeleton was then found by police shortly after.
Despite a thorough investigation including a £20,000 Crimestoppers reward, the body has never been identified.
North Wales Police has now issued a renewed appeal for information which states that the victim’s ‘unique’ dental work – including fillings, crowns and root canals – could help them to identify him.
Speaking on the BBC’s Crimewatch, detective superintendent Chris Bell said: ‘We firmly believe that if you were the dentist you would recognise your work – it’s quite unique.’
In 2016, forensic odontologist Dr John Rosie said: ‘His pre-molar teeth have got some very extensive crown work, root canal work and filling work, which is of a high quality.
‘Now, the style of the dentistry is typical of dentistry that was done in the 90s, 2000s, possibly late 80s.’
What evidence do the police have to solve the murder?
The body was first discovered on 14 November 2015 by two brothers camping in the forest. A pathologist found evidence of trauma to the skull, which suggested the cause of death was murder.
Further evidence indicated that the man was between 5’8″ and 5’10.5″ and of heavy build. Examination of the spine also revealed that he suffered from arthritis which would have caused back pain. However, the police noted that this pain might not have been known to loved ones.
Police believe the body may have been left on the site between 2004 and 2011. More than 10 years after it was found, investigators said they were ‘no closer’ to identifying the victim.
Det Supt Bell said: ‘Because of the delay in the time that we believe that the body was left, and the time that we got notified, we don’t have the benefits of a traditional crime scene.’
The victim’s dental history might therefore prove ‘very important’ for the investigation.
Det Supt Bell concluded: ‘We are told that if you are that dentist performing that procedure you are likely to recognise your own work, which would hopefully enable us to identify who this person is.’
Could you have been the clinician who treated the victim? Any information should be directed to North Wales Police.
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