The Unsolved Murder of Julia Webb
Julia Webb was 52 years old when she was brutally murdered whilst out walking her dog.
22nd July 1998, Sandiway, Cheshire, England.
Julia and John Webb lived on Weaverham Road in Sandyway with their son Chis, Julia's father Bill and their pet dog Rosie. The couple had another son, Nick, who was staying at the family home whilst taking a break from the Army.
Every day, Julia would walk Rosie the dog at least once, and she would always take the same route, down Kennel Lane, which was close to her home. On July the 22nd, just like any other day, Julia took Rosie out for a walk at about 3 pm. When she did not return home, her family became concerned. Chris got on his bike and went out to look for his mum. He headed to Kennel Lane, as he knew her route. Whilst on Kennel Lane, he saw Rosie but could not see his mum. Rosie led him into the woodland, just off the lane where Chris found his mother's body. Julia had been beaten to death.
It was reported that Julia would not venture into the woods when walking Rosie, mainly because of drug dealers. However, her body was found in the wooded area, a short distance off Kennel Lane. Friends and neighbours say that Julia would not go into the woods, even if Rosie ventured in, she would just wait for her to come out on her own. So why on this occasion did she go into the woods? Did she go in to look for Rosie, was someone holding Rosie in the woods, did someone drag Julia into the woods, or did someone call Julia into the woods?
Police appealed on the TV show, Crimewatch to try and locate several people of interest.
The day that Julia was murdered, a lady was returning home from work along Chester Road at approximately 3.15 pm. As she was approaching the junction with Weaverham Road, she noticed a man walking towards her. He was in his 60s, with a red walking stick. She noticed that the handle was interwoven, polished and was dark red. In her video about Julia's case on YouTube, Kelsie Heafey states that this item was possibly an African tribal object or symbol. The man had white hair, which was thinning on top, he was about 5 foot 8 and was wearing a ¾ length beige jacket and beige trousers.
Another witness said that he was walking his dog along Kennel Lane when he saw a silver Ford Orion car pull into a lay-by. The driver got out of the car and walked towards him as though he was going to say something, but as he approached, he walked straight past. The man walked down the lane, looked into the trees, and then turned around and walked back to his car. He was in his 30s, about 5 foot 6 to 7, he had a stubbly beard, was dark-skinned and had dark hair. He was of medium build and was wearing a beige padded body warmer and blue jeans. The man walking his dog thought that this man looked suspicious.
Police also appealed to find the driver of a dark blue Vauxhall Cavalier that had been seen parked on Kennel Lane on several occasions. The car had dog crates in the back, so police think that this may be a dog walker, as the lane and woods are popular dog-walking areas. There also was a male that was seen running on Dalefords Lane at around 3.50 pm on the day that Julie was killed. He was about 20 years of age, had short hair and was wearing a dark shirt and jeans. The witness said that he looked agitated and was carrying something in his hand, but he could not see what it was.
It is unclear if any of these men were ever located.
Police could not identify a motive. However, they thought that it could have been drug-related due to the number of syringes that were around Kennel Lane or a robbery gone wrong. Julie was not carrying anything of value, and nothing was stolen from her. Julia had been beaten to death with a blunt instrument, with the fatal blows being to her head.
The Daily Mirror wrote on Monday, 27 July 1998 that Rosie's collar was to be tested for the killer's DNA. However, no further reports emerged as to if the police were able to find anything of use.
In 2004, a 43-year-old man was arrested in Somerset, but was released without charge.
In 2007, police once again appealed to the public in the hope that they would solve the case.
In 2016, police released details of unsolved murders in the Northwich area, including Julia's.
As of 2022, Julia's murder remains unsolved. Police still have no idea of the motive for the attack.
If you can help, any information can be passed to Northwich police on 01606 48000 or the confidential Crimestoppers line, 0800 555111.
Sources and Further Reading
https://www.warringtonguardian.co.uk/news/5312016.julia-webbs-murder-defies-belief/
https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/local-news/murder-arrest-man-not-charged-2932142
Daily Mirror - Monday 27 July 1998 - https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000560/19980727/087/0016
Kelsie Heafey YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVzy5XPh5P4&list=UUPmg4VOPdg2r2uut0TfmIzg&index=1
Crimewatch Episode - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atYmStVZ6HY&t=612s
http://www.unsolved-murders.co.uk/murder-content.php?key=14&termRef=Julia%20Webb
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