An utterly heartbroken mother has shared the pain that is still there, 15 years since her “funny, caring” daughter was brutally murdered, and she says she wants justice.
Sarah Melia was aged just 34 when she was found with six stab wounds in her back at her home on Catherine Street West in Horwich on January 14, 2008.
She tragically left her two children behind, Meghan – who was aged 15 at the time – and Ethan – who was 10.
Sarah’s mum Marion Kitchen, 70, says that her daughter was always having a laugh and “loved being a mum”.
Meghan who is now 30 and Ethan who is 26 are both said to be “getting on with their lives” but want answers.
And Marion, is still left with the question of why it happened, and wants anyone who may have seen something on the date Sarah was murdered to come forward, so there can be justice for Sarah.
She said: “We live in hope that the case will be reopened, but I don’t know what it will take for the team (police cold case) to do that.
“Sarah deserves justice and peace, she didn’t deserve this.
“She was a wonderful, caring mum.
- ALSO READ: Mum of Bolton woman Sarah Melia appeal for help 13 years on from her murder
“She wasn’t in any kind of trouble and was a normal person like you or I, going about her day.
“Some days are easier than others, but it still hurts as much as it did 15-years ago, nothing has changed.
“We just learn to live with it and life goes on.”
Marion says that she can remember Sarah’s last day as if it was yesterday and remembers speaking to her on the phone in the morning, before not being able to reach her.
She added: “I can just recall every single detail, and every single day leading up to the Monday it happened.
“It’s so hard to believe and I don’t think it’s something we will ever get used to.
“It hurts that I wasn’t there because you want to share your family’s suffering.”
She believes that someone out there may have some information that could help, no matter how small it may seem.
Marion added: “There is somebody out there who can end this and someone who saw the person travelling on two buses from Westhoughton to Bolton and then to Horwich, and then to Sarah’s.
“Please find it in your heart for Sarah’s children more than anybody else.
“Something that has been missed holds the key.
“At the moment, we just have to keep hoping that something will come up."
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) Cold Case Unit Detective Sgt Clare Smith said the force will consider reopening the case if fresh information arises.
She said: “GMP do not close murder cases, and we will look at any new evidence that comes to light.
“Sarah’s family have waited 15 years for answers.
“Therefore, if anybody has any information at all I would urge them to come forward.
“Any new information will be looked into.”
Police found the murder weapon on the roof of an extension close to Sarah’s home.
Sarah’s brother Mark Kitchen was later arrested.
Mr Kitchen was charged with murder, but after three trials, he was acquitted in 2009 and now has no contact with the family.
The murder attracted nationwide attention and featured on the BBC’s Crimewatch where a re-enactment was shared.
Marion said: “Mark was found not guilty, but where do we go from here?
“Fifteen years is a long time to be waiting and wondering why.
“I am hoping that this year will be the year where somebody shares something.”
Marion added: “Sarah is with us every day and we talk about her in some way every day.
“When we are together as a family, we always talk about her and have a laugh about her because she was so funny.”
The family will get together today, Saturday, to “celebrate” Sarah’s life that they had with her.
Marion added: “I miss Sarah so much.
“She was funny and had a giggly personality.
“She loved her family, and we are all really close and supportive of each other.
“I will never let go and I will keep pushing every year.
“She was a huge part of the family, and we are not whole anymore.
“Our lives still revolve around her, and she will never be forgotten.”
If you have a story and something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at jasmine.jackson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @JournoJasmine.
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