Detectives launch Facebook campaign in bid to catch Yeates’ killer
Avon and Somerset Police have placed an advert on the popular social networking site, appealing for help, in the hope of catching the landscape architect’s killer.
The 25-year-old’s body was found on Christmas morning by a couple walking their dogs just three miles from her home in the Clifton area of Bristol.
Detective Chief Inspector Phil Jones said: “The majority of people these days are spending time on Facebook and other social networking sites. This has become part of everyday routine for many people.
“This advert allows us to point people to special features on our website with all the latest information, it allows them to contact the incident room direct online rather than calling in.”
Meanwhile, crime scene investigators were at Yeates’s flat yesterday, using advanced forensic techniques to examine the scene. There was a sign outside the building in Canynge Road saying “Do not enter, dangerous chemicals.”
Avon and Somerset Police have successfully used Facebook in several other high-profile cases.
Scott Fulton, head of e-services for the force, said: “Through the website we have had 260 inbound messages to the incident room.”
Investigators wearing white suits came out of Yeates’s flat, while a number of uniformed officers entered the flat of her landlord, Chris Jefferies, on the opposite side of the building.
On Monday, police revealed they had found no evidence that Yeates was sexually assaulted while suggesting that more than one person may be responsible.
Detectives are appealing for help in tracing a 4x4 vehicle seen near the spot where her snow-covered body was discovered in Longwood Lane, Failand, North Somerset.
But they also revealed that they still do not know when and where she died.
Jones said yesterday: “At this stage there is no evidence to suggest that Joanna was sexually assaulted.”
The detective revealed that there were still significant gaps regarding Yeates’s final hours and raised the possibility of more than one person being involved.
He said: “I can assure you, we are determined to solve this crime, and bring Jo’s killers to justice.”
When asked about this comment later, he said: “I think that phrase emphasises that I am not making any assumptions in this case.”
Police have warned women not to walk home alone.
Jefferies, the only person to be arrested so far, was freed on police bail pending further inquiries.
The 65-year-old was detained last Thursday on suspicion of the murder and held until Saturday night, when he was released.
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