The gruesome murder that remained a mystery for 44 years: Two 11-year-old best friends went out to play in the sun in 1980. Fifteen minutes later, their bodies were found under a mattress – and their families fear they will never see justice

The families of two eleven-year-old boys who were brutally murdered in 1980 fear they will never find their killer.

John Greenwood and his best friend Gary Miller disappeared in Whiston, Merseyside, in August 1980 after going out to gamble after tea on a sunny summer evening.

But just 15 minutes later, a dog owner came across the boys – brutally beaten and partially buried under a mattress – and called 999. The killer was never brought to justice.

John's sister Debbie Turrell, 46, who was just two years old when he was killed, has spent most of her life fighting for justice for her brother and his friend.

She now hopes to shed light on the case, 44 years after the two bodies were found.

She told the Liverpool Echo: “I have no memories of John of my own, my memories of him are what people tell me. He always sang to me and followed me everywhere to make sure I was OK.”

John Greenwood (left) and his best friend Gary Miller (right) disappeared in Whiston, Merseyside, in August 1980 after going out to play after tea on a sunny summer evening

“We lost my mother in 2021 and it was heartbreaking. But even more heartbreaking was that she didn't get justice.”

Debbie added that her father is now in his 70s and Gary's mother is in her 80s and she is worried that they too will not be able to get justice for the young boys.

After the boys were discovered, they were taken to hospital and operated on, but John died in the early hours of the following day and Gary died a few days later.

Both suffered skull fractures and never regained consciousness. Police believe their killer slammed their heads into the ground.

Milkman John Cheeseman confessed to the crime in police custody but was acquitted at Liverpool Crown Court in May 1981.

His lawyers pointed out that he was mentally disabled and that a lawyer or guardian should have been present when he was questioned by the police.

According to the Sunday Times, investigators have uncovered allegations pointing to Robert Fisher, who died in 1991 at the age of 73.

His wife Ethel reportedly committed suicide in 1999 after telling friends she could not live with the guilt her husband felt for the boys' murder.

Both suffered skull fractures and never regained consciousness. Police believe their killer slammed their heads into the ground (picture shows Alma Miller, Gary Miller's mother)

Unemployed milkman John Cheeseman with his lawyer Alison Clarkson in Liverpool after being acquitted of the murders of John Greenwood and Gary Miller at Liverpool Crown Court

A dog owner came across the boys – brutally beaten and partially buried under a mattress – and called 999. The killer was never brought to justice. (Police officers at the scene in 1980)

At the time, Detective Chief Inspector Paul Richardson said: “We are particularly interested in speaking to anyone who may have seen a man with three young boys aged between 12 and 14 years old near the community hall in Dragon Lane, Whiston, between 6.45pm and 7.20pm on Saturday 16 August 1980.”

“Two of the boys seen with the man were standing on the wall of the community hall and one was on the grounds of the community hall. Were you one of the three boys? If so, please come forward and speak to us.”

In 2016, detectives reopened the investigation into the murders, but frustration with the original investigation remained.

In 2019, then-Police Commissioner Andy Cooke issued a statement after meeting with the families apologizing for “inadequacies and failings in the original investigation.”

He added: “The investigation team at the time presented enough evidence to charge a man with the murder of the boys. He was tried and subsequently acquitted.”

In 2019, then-Police Commissioner Andy Cooke issued a statement after meeting with the families apologizing for “inadequacies and failures in the original investigation” (Police search for evidence in 1980).

The heartbroken Miller family at Gary's funeral on September 3, 1980

“After reviewing a number of unsolved cases and re-examining the murder case, it is fair to say that the investigation was not as thorough as it could have been, nor did it meet the investigative standards expected of police today.”

He added that police offered their “sincere apologies” to the families of John and Gary and remained “determined” to find the killer.

However, he said police had submitted a file to the Attorney General with the new evidence they had found, but after “careful consideration, the Attorney General made the decision not to authorize the next steps.”

He said: “The prosecutor recognises that this is a tragic case and has stated that he will reconsider his decision if the ongoing police investigation produces sufficient new, compelling evidence.”

Due to double jeopardy laws, Merseyside Police are prohibited from questioning the original suspect as part of their investigation.

The families argue that this is “a mockery of the fair and open justice system that we pride ourselves on.”

Debbie said: “We still have hope and we will never give up. I want the right person to be found guilty in court and for everyone to know.”

If you have any information, please call Merseyside Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.