Operation Ottawa was implemented around 2006 to examine the unsolved murders in the Pembrokeshire area. The investigation team was led by Detective Superintendent Steve Wilkins. Over time, new developments in DNA technology enabled his team to re-examine forensic evidence from the cases. They also employed advanced investigative techniques, including genealogy DNA profiling, which links DNA from crime scenes to individuals in public genealogy databases. The combination of these advancements facilitated the identification of a prime suspect in the case.
Detective Superintendent Steve Wilkins
Detective Superintendent Steve Wilkins was the senior investigating officer who led the Pembrokeshire Murders investigation. He had a long and distinguished career in the police force, and was known for his dedication to solving crimes and his ability to build strong relationships with victims and their families.
- Wilkins joined the police force in 1983, and quickly rose through the ranks.
- In 2001, he was appointed Detective Superintendent and took over the Pembrokeshire Murders investigation.
- Wilkins led the team that eventually identified John Cooper as the killer, and was responsible for bringing him to justice.
Wilkins’ work on the Pembrokeshire Murders was praised by both the public and his colleagues. He was awarded the Queen’s Police Medal for his outstanding service, and was also recognized for his work by the Police Federation.
| Name | Rank | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Steve Wilkins | Detective Superintendent | Senior investigating officer |
Operation Ottawa
Operation Ottawa was a major investigation launched by Dyfed-Powys Police in 2006 to reinvestigate the Pembrokeshire Murders. The investigation was led by Detective Superintendent Steve Wilkins.
The investigation focused on three unsolved murders that occurred in Pembrokeshire, West Wales, between 1985 and 1989:
- The murder of Helen Thomas in 1985
- The murder of Richard Thomas and his daughter, Dawn, in 1989
The investigation team used a variety of techniques to reinvestigate the murders, including:
- Forensic analysis
- DNA testing
- Witness interviews
- Reviewing old case files
In 2010, the investigation team arrested John Cooper, a former soldier, in connection with the murders. Cooper was subsequently convicted of the murders and sentenced to life in prison.
| Murder | Victim | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Pembrokeshire Murders | Helen Thomas | 1985 |
| Pembrokeshire Murders | Richard Thomas | 1989 |
| Pembrokeshire Murders | Dawn Thomas | 1989 |
Dyfed-Powys Police
The Dyfed-Powys Police force took over responsibility for investigating the Pembrokeshire Murders in 1978, following the amalgamation of several smaller police forces in the region.
The investigation was initially led by Detective Superintendent Howard Jones, who was later joined by Detective Constable Steve Wilkins as part of a three-man team dedicated to solving the case.
Over the years, the Dyfed-Powys Police conducted extensive investigations into the murders, including:
- Interviewing witnesses and suspects
- Searching properties and vehicles
- Collecting and examining physical evidence
The investigation into the Pembrokeshire Murders was a complex and challenging one, due to the lack of eyewitnesses and the passage of time.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 1978 | Dyfed-Powys Police takes over investigation |
| 1989 | DNA evidence recovered from crime scene |
| 1998 | John Cooper identified as suspect |
| 2009 | Cooper arrested and charged |
| 2011 | Cooper convicted and sentenced to four life sentences |
Cold Case Review Team
The Pembrokeshire Murders were a series of unsolved murders that occurred in Pembrokeshire, Wales, in the 1980s and 1990s. In 2006, a Cold Case Review Team was established to re-examine the murders. The team was led by Detective Superintendent Steve Wilkins, and it included detectives from the Dyfed-Powys Police and the Metropolitan Police.
The Cold Case Review Team used a variety of techniques to re-investigate the murders, including:
- DNA analysis
- Forensic examination
- Witness interviews
- Review of original case files
In 2010, the Cold Case Review Team identified John Cooper as a suspect in the Pembrokeshire Murders. Cooper was arrested and charged with the murders, and he was convicted in 2011. The conviction was upheld on appeal in 2012.
| Murder | Date | Victim |
|---|---|---|
| Pembrokeshire Murders | 1985-1998 | Peter and Gwenda Dixon, Richard and Helen Thomas |
Well, there you have it, my curious reader. We’ve delved into the world of the Pembrokeshire Murders and unveiled the incredible team of detectives responsible for cracking the cold case. From the initial discovery of the remains to the relentless pursuit of justice, this case is a testament to the dedication and perseverance of those involved.
Thank you for joining me on this captivating journey. I hope you found it both informative and intriguing. If you have any additional questions or would like to stay updated on any future developments, be sure to check back again soon. Until then, keep your eyes peeled for more captivating true crime tales!