Manchester's Cold Case: 2 Women, 1 Killer?

0:00It's March 1st, and this episode is brought to you by NordVPN, fast, reliable online privacy, links in the episode description. Here's what's happening across the UK. Nearly 28 years ago, Manchester was rocked by the brutal murder of 32-year-old Julie Jones and the mysterious disappearance of 22-year-old Helen Sage. Both were young mothers working as sex workers in the city's Red Light District during the summer of 1998. Julie was killed. Her body found wrapped in carpet while Helen vanished without a trace two months later. Police have never ruled out the possibility of the same killer behind both cases. Julie was last seen getting into a car at 1.30am on June 27 near Canal Street. Her naked body turned up a week later on July 3rd in undergrowth by the old Smithfield market. She had suffered massive crush injuries to her chest and organs, likely from extreme violence, causing fatal internal bleeding. Meanwhile, Helen was spotted working mental street on August 17 before she disappeared.

1:04Both women struggled with drug addictions but were devoted to their young children, a two-year-old son for Julie and a six-month-old daughter for Helen. Families insist they would never abandon their kids. Julie's mother had tried to help her get off the streets, but her life had spiraled into heroin use and sex work to support her habit. Greater Manchester Police's Cold Case Unit says the investigations remain open with several suspects arrested over the years but no convictions. A 50,000-pound reward still stands for info leading to Julie's killer. They've dismissed links to other theories like a convicted murderer from elsewhere and hold some forensic evidence. Officials urge anyone with details, even from back then to come forward now, as behaviors or changes in potential suspects might have been noticed by, friends or family. These cases hot Manchester, but justice could still be within reach.