THE mother and sister of Jay Whiston - who was murdered at a house party in Colchester last year - have made an emotional appeal for help bringing his killer to justice.
They issued the heartfelt appeal yesterday as Essex Police renewed their call for those protecting the student's attackers to come forward.
Jay's mum, 47-year-old Caroline Shearer, said: "January 6 would have been Jay's 18th birthday. If we could catch the person or people responsible, then at least justice would be done.
"It won't bring back my son, but we could all rest knowing that these people can't hurt anyone else. Please come forward and contact the police. Please make this the last appeal I have to make."
Jay was stabbed to death at the party in Marlowe Way on Saturday, September 8, but despite a number of arrests being made, no one has been charged over the killing.
At a press conference in Clacton yesterday, senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Simon Parkes called on those who know what happened at the party to come forward.
"We don't know what was in the mind of those who attacked Jay at the house party, but I don't believe this was about Jay being targeted," he said.
"When a fight broke out Jay stood his ground and tragically became the victim of mindless violence.
"We have had a tremendous response from our initial requests for information. I would like to thank those who have been interviewed by my team and given statements. Their help has been invaluable.
"However we do know there are those who have yet to come forward. It is essential that we are able to reconstruct what happened that night, to recreate the movements frame by frame of Jay and his attacker or attackers."Twitter users grief over murder of Jay Whiston at Colchester house party
Detectives investigating the killing are also eager to trace two vital pieces of evidence. The murder weapon - a knife - has not been found, and they also want to locate a distinctive River Island red-and-white polo T-shirt believed to have been worn by a suspect.
DCI Parkes said: "We know from the scientists that we are looking for a knife as opposed to any other item or implement. It is still out there. Is it being held by the killer or has it been discarded by a friend? If you know where it is, then please contact us."
Five people from Colchester were arrested during the hours and days following the stabbing, which happened around 10pm on September 8.
The two 19-year-old men, one 18-year-old man and two 17-year-old boys were arrested on suspicion of murder and later released on police bail pending further enquiries.
One of the 17-year-old boys has since been released from his bail with no further action to be taken against him.
In November four people were arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender. Like the five people previously arrested they are currently on police bail until March 22 pending further enquiries.
Anyone with information about the killing is urged to contact detectives at Colchester's Major Investigation Team by telephone on 01206 576845, text on 07841 112146, Blackberry Message (BBM) on 264CC35E or email on scdappeals@essex.pnn.police.uk.
Information can also be passed to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
