Man on 35-year campaign to get justice for murdered daughter dies. Sons vow to hold on battle

By India Today World Desk: A father’s 35-year-long quest to carry his daughter’s rapist-killers to justice shall be continued by his household, his sons have vowed. British nationwide John Ward spent a long time and over two million kilos in his relentless pursuit of his daughter’s killers, against the law that Kenyan authorities had at first dismissed as an animal assault. He additionally taught himself forensic science.

John Ward, 89, died on June 11. His loss of life got here inside two weeks of his spouse Jan’s demise.

The octogenarian did not quit the chase until the very finish. His relations stated he was investigating the homicide of his daughter, Julie Ward, till a number of weeks in the past.

It all began with the disappearance of Julie Ward, a 28-year-old wildlife photographer from Bury St Edmunds, whereas on a photographic safari in Kenya in September 1988.

Her burned and dismembered physique was discovered by her father on Maasai Mara reserve every week later.

At the time, Kenyan officers claimed she had been attacked by animals, however they had been later compelled to simply accept that she was murdered after John Ward dug up some proof.

He beforehand stated if his daughter’s loss of life was unintended, he would have accepted, however he was decided not to surrender on the homicide investigation.

John Ward spent over two million kilos of his personal cash and made 200 journeys to Kenya investigating the case. He is reported to have uncovered proof pointing in direction of his daughter being killed by the son of then former Kenyan president Daniel arap Moi – and he accused the UK authorities of collaborating within the cowl up, the Daily Mail reported.

But nobody has ever been convicted of Julie Ward’s homicide.

SONS VOW TO CONTINUE FATHER’S FIGHT

After John’s loss of life, his sons Bob and Tim stated they’d proceed their father’s mission.

Bob Ward stated, collectively together with his brother, they’d stick with it their father’s work, and so they deliberate to publish a e-book on the case and get a documentary made.

“The world can get to see what he’s been doing for the last 35 years. It’s such an extraordinary story and I think people only know about half of it,” he informed BBC Radio Suffolk.

“This story is nothing short of astonishing as this ordinary but driven family, led by a determined, relentless individual, showed such resilience against the authorities. John knew Julie was murdered,” Bob was quoted by the Daily Mail as saying.

LEARNT FORENSIC SCIENCE

John Ward, a retired hotelier from Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, travelled to Kenya, the US, Denmark, Belgium, France, Uganda and Tanzania, in his quest for justice.

Initially dismissed as killed in animal assault, Julie Ranger’s case later noticed two recreation rangers being acquitted of her homicide in 1992 as a consequence of inadequate proof.

A brand new group of Kenyan cops re-examined the case in 1997, and in 1999 a gamekeeper was tried and acquitted of the crime.

In 2004, an inquest held in Ipswich recorded a verdict of illegal killing.

John Ward confirmed distinctive dedication in his effort to get justice for his daughter, a lot in order that in his 70s and 80s, he taught himself forensic science and represented himself in courts in Kenya and the UK. This is that this dogged dedication that has impressed his sons, who will proceed John Ward’s quest for justice.