POLICE reinvestigating the death of Ryan Passey, who was fatally stabbed in Stourbridge seven years ago today, have issued a fresh plea for information as the murder investigation into the popular footballer’s death continues.
Officers want to trace a taxi driver who could hold vital clues to the case.
West Midlands Police have spent the last 12 months reinvestigating what happened that fateful night when 24-year-old Ryan, who had been out with friends, was stabbed in the chest in what was Chicago’s nightclub in town – just before 1am on August 6, 2017.
Now, as another anniversary passes, they have issued an appeal to identify the driver of a Beacon Taxis car who was working on the night of August 5 into August 6.
The driver picked up a young white man near the side entrance of Dudley Fire Station on the A459 Burton Road at around 1.10am, just minutes after Wren’s Nest FC footballer Ryan from Quarry Bank was stabbed through the heart.
The passenger, a witness who has already been spoken to by officers, had booked the car to take him to a location near the centre of Sedgley.
Detective Superintendent Shaun Edwards, head of the force homicide team which has been reinvestigating the case following a review by West Yorkshire Police, has today issued a direct appeal to the driver to get in touch.
In a video plea, he said: “As the driver, you may not have felt there was anything unusual or different about this journey, but the information you have could be really important to the investigation.
“We believe you may have important information about the night’s events, and so it’s important we hear from you.
“We have been liaising with Beacon Taxis, but given the passage of time, records from the night are not available.
“Our commitment to get justice for Ryan and his family is absolute, so I’d appeal for you to help us do that and get in touch.”
Ryan died from a single stab wound to the chest after being rushed to hospital.
Kobe Murray, from Dudley, and aged19 at the time, was originally charged with murder but was cleared of both murder and manslaughter after a trial in February 2018 – despite having admitted in court that he ‘stabbed out’ at Ryan as trouble flared.
The shock verdict, contradictory to evidence given in court, was described as a ‘perverse acquittal’ – for which there is no right of appeal for victims’ families…something Ryan’s loved ones have been campaigning to change.
In a statement issued today – Ryan’s dad Adrian Passey, mum Gill Taylor and step-dad Phil Taylor said: “Seven years ago today, our world was shattered into a million pieces and to this day we continue to suffer severe trauma and distress knowing the person who admitted to stabbing our Ryan remains a free person to live his life without any consequences for his actions back in 2017.
“Ryan’s family support this appeal by the police to identify this taxi driver who could have significant information that will assist in us getting justice for Ryan.
“We would urge him to come forward or if you think you may know the driver to please contact West Midlands Police.
“Unfortunately owing to the passage of time it will be almost impossible to trace him without the public’s help.
“This line of enquiry is significant in West Midlands Police re-investigation.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact West Midlands Police by calling 101, extension 841 3057, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
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