RHYS JONES: Grieving parents tell how pain and loss continue six months after son’s murder

Feb 21 2008 by David Bartlett, Liverpool Daily Post

THE parents of Rhys Jones yesterday spoke of how their lives had been turned upside down by the murder of their son six months ago tomorrow.

In a statement, Stephen, 45, and Melanie, 42, said: “Six months on from the death of our beautiful son, Rhys, we are still struggling to come to terms with our loss.

“The last six months have been a living nightmare. In that time we have had to face occasions like Rhys’s 12th birthday and Christmas.

“These are normally occasions which are filled with fun and laughter.

“But instead of celebrating we were left with a completely empty feeling and the pain and loss that we have had to face every day was magnified by the poignancy of the anniversary.

“No parent should ever have to go through what we are going through. Our lives will never be the same.

“Six months on, and our world has been turned upside down, and all we want is justice for our son.

“Throughout the last six months, we have been in regular contact with the investigation team and family liaison officers from Merseyside Police.”

They were pleased with the progress of the inquiry.