ANOTHER year has gone by since much-loved Stourbridge footballer Ryan Passey was stabbed and killed in a town nightspot.
The pain of losing him four years ago has never faded for his heartbroken parents Adrian and Gill, and stepdad Phil, and the many questions the family have about what truly happened that fateful night in August 2017 remain unanswered.
Ryan, aged 24, who had gone with friends to the former Chicago's nightclub in The Ryemarket, died in the early hours of August 6 from a single stab wound to the chest after a fight broke out in the club.
His family thought the subsequent Birmingham Crown Court trial in early 2018 would bring the answers they needed following the tragedy but murder accused Kobe Murray from Dudley, who pleaded self-defence, walked free after being cleared of all charges - leaving Ryan's devastated relatives and friends with more questions than answers and unable to start seeking any kind of peace that could have come from justice being served.
The Justice for Ryan campaign was formed shortly afterwards to campaign for a law change to allow families of serious crime victims to challenge so-called 'perverse verdicts' where jurors have acquitted a defendant contrary to evidence presented in court.
The campaigners have also begun legal action against Murray, who was 19 at the time of the incident, and a civil court case is now expected to be heard in the autumn.
Private investigator, Russ Whitfield from Liberton Investigations, has also been working for the campaign - trying to shed new light on the case - and he has spent the last few days interviewing witnesses.
He said: "We continue to work with the family on new developments and go over the evidence, the case presented in court and the police investigation.
"We have spoken to witnesses old and new and the key message we want to get across is that this will never go away and undoubtedly people are, as time passes, having second thoughts about events that night. We need these people to come forward."
He added: "Ryan's family have shown and continue to show incredible strength, which is assisted by the amount of support in the community."
Mr Whitfield also met with Stourbridge MP Suzanne Webb whom he described as "a tremendous supporter of the family" and he said it was hoped the MP would be able to assist in efforts "to get West Midlands Police to re-engage with Ryan's family" - having previously told how they felt let down by the force as they have received no response to requests for information and co-operation in the last 18 months.
Ms Webb said after the meeting that West Midlands Police had "still not replied or engaged with myself or the family" - adding: "It would be a positive move forward if the force did so."
She said her commitment to the Justice for Ryan campaign "does not waver" and added: "It is clear issues are still coming to light that could be important.
"My thoughts are very much with Ryan’s family and friends four years on from his untimely and unnecessary death.
"As each year passes without justice, it must get harder for them but I pay tribute to their tenacity in wanting Justice for Ryan."
Anyone who may have any information that could help the family's private investigation can get in touch with Mr Whitfield by emailing info@justiceforryan.org.
Meanwhile, a summer festival is to be held in memory of Ryan at Sadler's Brewhouse and Bar in Lye, on Saturday August 21.
The event, running from 4pm until midnight, will include live music, street food and outdoor bars.
For more details email info@justiceforryan.org or see the Justice for Ryan Facebook page.
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