Unsolved Karaoke Bar Murder: Justice Eludes

0:00On March 22nd, back in November 22nd, 2002, a brutal attack at a karaoke bar in Solford left one man dead and his best friend, forever changed. Forty-year-old Shane Eckersley suffered fatal head injuries from kicks and punches by seven-hooded attackers right inside and outside the Saigon, restaurant. His pal, Neil Snowgrove, was also beaten but survived that night. The trouble started over a minor spat inside the bar. When someone mocked them, possibly thinking they were gay. Word spread fast, pulling in the gang from nearby pubs. Police arrived quickly, but the hood and men banished, despite dozens of people nearby, who saw it all. Shane was an innocent dad and former addict who'd been clean for over a year, volunteering to teach woodwork and help others. He left behind a 12-year-old son and a grieving family. Neil, shattered by the loss, spiraled back into drugs and alcohol, trying rehab three times before dying at age 30 in 2008, from addiction complications.

1:01No one's been charged after more than 20 years, as witnesses stay silent out of fear of reprisals from suspects who grew into major gangsters. Ten people were arrested early on, but the case foul remains open. Police reviewed it in 2012, hoping DNA advances will crack it, with a 50,000-pound reward still on the table for tips leading to convictions. Just as hangs in the balance for these two lives cut short.