Unsolved Murder of Lisa Hession

The unresolved and tragic murder of 14-year-old Lisa Hession remains a somber chapter in the history of Greater Manchester. Forty years have passed since her untimely death, yet Greater Manchester Police (GMP) is still actively seeking justice for her. They have issued a new appeal for information, and they are offering a substantial reward for leads that could help them identify her murderer.

This article talks about the details of the case, the current efforts put forward by the police, and how society can contribute crucially in giving a grieved society a sense of closure.

Table of Contents

Events Leading to Lisa Hession’s Death

Lisa Hession, bright and sporty, was just beginning her life. The last time she was seen returning on foot from a party in Leigh, Greater Manchester, on December 8, 1984. She never made it back home. Lisa was sexually assaulted and strangled in a passageway some 180 meters from her Bonnywell Road home. She was found by a member of the public soon after.

Christine Hession, the mother of Lisa, had assumed that Lisa would come home before 10:30 p.m. and contacted the authorities 15 minutes later as she failed to return. The killer of Lisa was never identified while the authority responded promptly to the calls and the community took the role of assisting seriously.

Decades of Investigation and Persistent Challenges

GMP have done many reviews of the case over the years, utilizing any advances in forensic science as they have become available. The force has ensured every public piece of information will be fully investigated, even though no match was yet found in any database despite extracting a DNA sample from the crime scene.

Cold case unit director Martin Bottomley reiterates GMP’s commitment to solving the case by saying:

“Lisa, a young teenager who was a dedicated gymnast and competed in cross-country for Leigh Harriers, had a full life ahead of her. Unfortunately, someone took it away from her.” The case remains unsolved, but it will stay open until Lisa’s perpetrator is caught.

Christine Hession, who died in 2016, sadly never lived to see her daughter’s case brought to its resolution. Lisa’s passing has made it all the more important to bring the perpetrator to justice, not only for her memory but also for the comfort of her grieving family and friends.

Public Appeal: How You Can Help

#APPEAL | 40 years on we are still seeking justice for Leigh schoolgirl Lisa Hession who was murdered.

Lisa was 14 years old when she was sexually assaulted and fatally strangled in an alleyway, just 200 yards from her home on Bonnywell Road.
⬇️ https://t.co/E41nE2ZUFY pic.twitter.com/n5VWDNmZNp

— Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) December 8, 2024

GMP has renewed its request for information in recognition of the 40th anniversary of Lisa’s murder, underscoring the potential significance of even the most apparently inconsequential details. A reward of £50,000 is still available for information that leads to the identification and conviction of Lisa’s murderer.

The detectives urge anyone who may have witnessed or seen anything unusual on that night of December 8, 1984, to come forward. The most insignificant item of information is significant, even a vague recollection or unshared observation.

The GMP Cold Case Unit can be contacted directly by the public at 0161 856 5978 or anonymously through Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.

Advances in Forensic Science: A Renewed Hope

DNA analysis has played a crucial role in the successful prosecution of closed case investigations due to the development in modern forensic science. The DNA sample obtained in Lisa’s case has not produced a match yet, but the ongoing development in genetic genealogy and the growing database have given a sense of optimism.

GMP is resolute in its commitment to exploring all avenues and ensuring that no stone is left unturned in their quest for justice.

The Community’s Role in Seeking Justice

Lisa’s assassination left a permanent stigma on the Leigh community. As the years have passed, many people who were there that night may still have critical information. The mystery could be finally solved by the community’s collective memory and technological advances.

Call to Action

We urge everyone who knows something, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to come forward on the 40th anniversary of the death of Lisa Hession. Together, we can ensure that the memory of Lisa is preserved and that her murderer is brought to justice.