Claudia Lawrence was last seen nearing her home in Heworth, York, on the afternoon of 18 March 2009, as she returned from her work as a chef at the University of York. Claudia Elizabeth Lawrence (born 27 February 1974) is an English woman who was last seen and heard from on 18 March 2009. It made me think that the Police have strong suspicions as to what happened and who is guilty, but don't have the evidence that they're looking for as people aren't co-operating. Replies analysing and speculating over the mystery and possible explanations are encouraged. This possibility was quickly dismissed. Im not sure what it was about Claudia that caught the public attention so much but, unfortunately, I dont think shes alive and probably wasnt for very long after going missing. If there was foul play, I guess the guilty one was someone she knew, perhaps also a Local just like her. That Lawrence had left with a new lover or to take up a new job or merely to take a break. CLAUDIA Lawrence disappeared a decade ago, sparking a 1million manhunt with cops pouring through phone records and more than 2,500 statements. In 2007 Lawrence purchased a terraced cottage in the York suburb of Heworth, situated about three miles from her place of work. That Lawrence had been the victim of a person known to her. Claudia Lawrences mother appeals for help 13 years after disappearance, Claudia Lawrence: police find no new clues in lake search, Police search quarry near York for Claudia Lawrence remains, Claudia Lawrence: timeline of her disappearance, Claudia Lawrence: renewed call for information on woman missing since 2009, Father of missing chef Claudia Lawrence dies at 74, Claudia Lawrence case fits behaviour pattern of Christopher Halliwell. This is a strange one for me as grew up in the same area and am familiar with this case. Joan Lawrence has spoken to Sky News on the tenth anniversary of her daughter's disappearance. An odd similarity links the cases. Claudia Lawrence was last seen on the night of March 18 2009. Malyn said the investigation had so far been hindered by a lack of CCTV around Lawrences home, as well as the fact that she had neither a smartphone nor a social media profile when she vanished. She was employed as a chef at the University of York's Goodricke College at the time of her disappearance. Stay tuned for details coming soon. For all of my social media links / other content, please click my picture above , Claudia Lawrence Investigation | North Yorkshire Police, Claudia Lawrence CCTV | North Yorkshire Police, #ClaudiaLawrence #Missing #York #Unsolved #CaledonianKitty #TrueCrime, A Match Made In Hell | Paul Bernardo & Karla Homolka | Partners In Crime Series (Fourth Instalment) Graphic Content, The Tool Box Killers | Lawrence Bittaker & Roy Norris | Partners In Crime Series (Fifth Instalment) Gaphic Content, The Hillside Stranglers: Kenneth Bianchi & Angelo Buono Jr | Partners In Crime Series (First Instalment) GRAPHIC CONTENT. Cooper attempted to contact Lawrence again on the morning of 20 March, but again without success. This particular case is well-known in the UK and probably all over the world as well. I also believe that she died shortly after her disappearance. [21], Later in September, detectives made a search of an area of the University of York campus. This might be a little bit off topic, but recently I became very interested in such stuff partially because of my girlfriend who is a criminologist and also because I felt really bored and didnt know what to do during the quarantine. Her father says "it's very difficult" to conceive of her still being alive. The search for Claudia Lawrence is being hampered by the withholding of vital information, police have said 10 years after she was last seen. Nobody really believed this was as innocent as just her disappearing and hearing from mutual acquaintances Im convinced harm has come to her by whom its hard to tell. Probably much less well-known ones? (Claudia (far right) with her sister Ali (left) and mum Joan (centre). The Secret Life of Claudia Lawrence? On August 24, 2021, police began searching a quarry in York. Detective Superintendent Wayne Fox, the new senior investigating officer on the case, said he believes several people know, or have suspicions about, what happened to the 35-year-old when she went missing in York in 2009. Peter Lawrence, who devoted himself to helping others with missing relatives, died after never knowing what happened to his daughter. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Her parents say they dont know anything about that. Oh I agree with you. Because of the newspaper articles and the rumours flying around, the arrests of the men and all the talk of older married men, a lot of the public lost sympathy and interest in the case and it went cold and now here we are 11 years later. Claudia was always popular and very pretty, as she grew older she was never short of admirers and had plenty of friends, male and female. On the 12th anniversary of Claudias disappearance today (Thursday, 18 March), Mr Fox urged anyone with information to do the right thing and speak to him. Would not surprise me if one of the girls did not set it up and was also there. The investigation centred around construction of a "rogue's gallery" of the men she had been involved with. The law was introduced after campaigning by Peter Lawrence with the support of MPs. Podcast Coming Soon!! Available on Amazon as paperback or audible. January 17 - Mr Lawrence says he is "hugely depressed and disappointed" as the investigation into his daughter's disappearance is scaled down. They have endured unrelenting anguish and trauma throughout this time. I'm excited to announce that I am currently working on a true crime podcast which will feature cases that I have already featured here on my blog as well as new cases + guests & more! Awesome post loved it! In August and September 2021 police engaged in the Lawrence case searched Sand Hutton Gravel Pits, a wooded area around 8 miles (13km) north-east of York city centre. Claudia Lawrence is a freelance journalist. In October 2019 her mum slammed the peanuts 40,000 budget to probe murder suspect Christopher Halliwell. Although that is not critical since she might have passed out of camera view or used a parallel street. A detective investigating the disappearance of Claudia Lawrence 12 years ago has said it is not too late for people to come forward and stop the "unrelenting anguish" caused to the chef's loved ones. Investigators believe that she got up early as she normally would for work and because her car was being repaired she had been walking to work the past few weeks. When I learnt more about the case I somehow realised that I was quite interested in it, so now I would love to discuss it with more people. This possibility was eventually dismissed. Claudia Lawrence was last seen near her home in Melrosegate, Heworth, York, on the evening of March 18, 2009. | Part Three, The Deadly Cougar? I remember a journalist mentioning that in all his decades of working as a reporter on missing persons cases he had never faced such hostility from the locals in the area or been literally threatened and warned off covering the story before as he had been with this one. In June 2019, ten years after Claudia's disappearance, the UK Government introduced the Guardianship (Missing Person's) Act 2017, informally known as 'Claudia's Law'. [38] The second investigation then ended having achieved little. It was so out of character for her, she loved her job and was happy with her life and friends so what happened? You can opt-out at any time by signing in to your account to manage your preferences. On the anniversary of Miss Lawrences disappearance, Mr Fox urged anyone with information to do the right thing and speak to him. Lawrence's father was a prosperous solicitor. Her mother said that Claudia was going to celebrate Mothers Day with her and seemed cheerful and relaxed when they were talking over the phone. A licensed taxi driven by Halliwell pulled up beside her and she was offered a ride to her home. If we take a look at the most well-known unsolved peoples disappearances in the UK well see that the majority of those missing are boys and young men who could likely meet foul play due to the fact that most of them were last spotted in somewhat dodgy places/areas and at least a little far away from home. dug up by cops in the search for more victims. Generally Im not familiar with Northern England at all, so I have no idea if its safe or dangerous and how high or low the crime rate there is, Id like to find out more about it as well, so Im hoping there is someone from that area who could enlighten me. [26] The search at Heslington was later considered to have been prompted by hoax information.[27]. Her father Peter spent years campaigning for the Guardianship (Missing Persons) Bill, also known as Claudias Law, which allows relatives to take control of their missing loved ones financial matters. [7] It was determined that the phone had been connected to a mast in the Heworth area of York throughout the morning of 19 March and up to the point it was switched off. Most murder victims know their killer. Anyway, what are your thoughts? Comments are more than welcome. March - Nearly a decade on from her disappearance, Miss Lawrence has still not been found. Ex detective Fulcher wanted an enquiry as to why Halliwell wasnt investigated further regarding other deaths. Peter Lawrence, at his home near York, holds a photograph of his missing daughter Claudia. Monday marks a decade since Lawrence, who was a chef at the University of York, disappeared at the age of 35. I recently had a look back over the case and realised that it's been 11 years since the beautiful, 35 year old Claudia Lawrence had vanished from her home in York, England. Maybe the police know or at least clearly presume what happened and/or who might be responsible for that all, but cannot make any statements at the moment due to lack of evidence? News and entertainment worth sharing York and North Yorkshire. After five weeks NYP upgraded the enquiry from a missing person one to one of suspected murder.[10]. She spoke to her mother that evening and made plans with her for Mother's Day which was that Sunday. May 6 - Mr Lawrence calls for an urgent independent inquiry into the police investigation of his daughter's disappearance and suspected murder. They arrested four men a couple years back in suspicion of murder but stated that they ran into "a lack of cooperation from witnesses". Nine people have been arrested or interviewed under caution, and police submitted files to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in relation to a number of individuals. Investigators were able to trace some more information from her phone (which was still missing) and established that she had spent a lot of time in a place called Acomb (which is another area of York) in the weeks leading up to her disappearance. Personally I have never been to Yorkshire and I dont know anyone from that area, so I cant make any statements about that region. Morbidology Podcast The article continues below Morbidology is a weekly true crime podcast created and hosted by Emily G. Thompson. The route from her home to place of work was checked at an early stage and no trace of her was found. Lawrence's handbag containing her purse, bank cards and passport was in the house. Her father, Peter is a solicitor and her mother, Joan is a stay at home housewife. I am not stating that these people did anything its just my theory. [6], At 6am on the morning of 18 March 2009, Lawrence started her shift at Goodricke College's Roger Kirk Centre. For whatever reason, they have maintained a silence for 12 years. She also has a sister called Ali. *edited as she did have her purse with her. These cookies do not store any personal information. The investigation continues and there's no word as of yet about who tipped the police off to search these areas or what, if anything has been found. She has not been seen or heard from since. I do think the police know who killed her, but can't prove it. [28] In July 2013, NYP said the unit would assess several "stalled" cases when it opened in October, including Lawrence's disappearance. She also sent a text message to a friend at 8:23pm but nothing after that. [14][15] In early June 2009, a reconstruction of Lawrence's last known movements was featured in an appeal on BBC One's Crimewatch. Claudia has always been very close with her family and had a happy childhood. Agreed, I think the police have a decent understanding of what happened to her but can't prove it currently. You must be at least 18 years old to create an account, Must be at least 6 characters, include an upper and lower case character and a number, I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from Evening Standard. Instead of taking OCallaghan home Halliwell drove her to a secluded place where he murdered her. Finally, the most comprehensive, informative and very detailed article can be found here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/resources/idt-sh/what_happened_to_claudia , its pretty long and might probably seem a little bit hard to read to some people, however, its definitely worth reading because it tells us about Claudias childhood and social circle as well as her job. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. On 8 March 2016, the Crown Prosecution Service refused to pursue a case submitted by NYP against four men who had been arrested on suspicion of murder, citing lack of evidence. It was like she had just vanished without a trace. Previously, families could only take over the financial affairs of a missing person if they were declared dead under the Presumption of Death Act 2013. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. Maybe someone will finally step forward and say something! The Claudia Lawrence case may ring a few bells for those of you who live in the UK and quite possibly beyond as it has been covered on quite a number of blogs and Youtube channels. Notably they were unable to sell her house on which mortgage and other charges continued to accrue. Please do the right thing, come forward and speak to me.. Claudia Lawrence's disappearance sparked a long running and high profile missing person case by North Yorkshire Police. In 2006 she found employment at the University of York's Goodricke College, working as a chef in the canteen of the university's main campus. She supports the Missing People charity and makes her telephone number available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to support others who have missing loved ones. Enter your password to log in. I don't think Christopher Halliwell is linked to this case at all. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/claudia-s-law-to-lift-families-of-missing-people-out-of-legal-limbo. Peter contacted the police and reported her missing. [7] At this point Cooper became alarmed and contacted mutual acquaintances including George Forman, landlord of The Nag's Head, to obtain information concerning her possible whereabouts. Update in the Claudia Lawrence case. Claudia Lawrence was last seen near her home in Melrosegate, Heworth, York, on the evening of March 18, 2009. 35-year-old Claudia Lawrence, of York, went missing 11 years ago About Claudia Claudia Elizabeth Lawrence was born in Malton, North Yorkshire on 27th February 1974. It also takes two to tango, she was a single woman and some of the men were married, they should have known better and they were also in the wrong in that respect. The two were reported to have been on friendly terms and he had often given her lifts in his car to and from work. The mystery discovery was made by a member. [1], Lawrence remained single throughout her life while enjoying a gregarious social life. OCallaghan left a Swindon nightclub at near 3am and started the 20 minute walk to her home. A DECADE on from the day Claudia Lawrence was last seen alive, the detective heading up the investigation to find her believes answers still lie in Nobody knows where she is or what happened to her and as we've seen in a number of cases, sometimes victims can be held for years and can be rescued decades later. The search was reportedly prompted by new evidence although police would not state what that new evidence was. She later attended a local catering college and qualified as a chef. [30] On the fifth anniversary of the disappearance, a new appeal was made on Crimewatch, which aired on 19 March 2014. Lawrence's family became increasingly insistent that she must have been abducted. https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/local-news/everything-know-disappearance-claudia-lawrence-17946108 this article contains all the information about the investigation throughout the years. I tend to think that something happened between 10PM and midnight on the 18-th of March, 2009. Picture credit: The investigation into what happened to Claudia Lawrence began, there was apppeals and missing posters everywhere. What's even more sinister is that her mobile phone was deliberately switched off at 12:08pm by someone, could it have been Claudia? Very much a tourist attraction. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Claudia Drury was just 19 years old when she first came across Lawrence Ray at the Sarah Lawrence College dorm. [43] At the end of the search detective Wayne Fox, senior investigating officer in the Lawrence case, stated that nothing significant had been found. "Whilst the current review team will and has been scaled down, the new Cleveland and North Yorkshire cold case dedicated team will still have responsibility to review any information that is considered relevant. The cigarette was found to have DNA on it years later but that DNA doesn't match anyone already on the database and no familial entries. Claudia, it seems, was acquainted with some of them. Please, read each article thoroughly. She initially worked at several hotels and restaurants in York, but became tired of the unsocial hours this involved. Do you think that some information has not been released to the public? All of a sudden the British public were picking up newspapers seeing all of these unsavoury details about relationships Claudia had with married men. I think other people do as well, but don't want to end up dead. For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click this link: thesun.co.uk/editorial-complaints/, Claudia Lawrence was last seen in March 2009, with questions about her disappearance still left unanswered, Convicted killer Christopher Halliwell may be linked to six other murders, including the disappearance of Claudia Lawrence, New CCTV in Claudia Lawrence case six years on. How we can find what happened to Claudia Elizabeth Lawrence and bring her killers to justice. For a privately educated daughter of a country solicitor, Claudia had some unusual acquaintances and this remains the only missing person case where I have been warned off or threatened - not once but twice". April 24 - Detectives say that Miss Lawrence's disappearance is being treated as a suspected murder investigation. 5-6 King's Court, Shambles, York YO1 7LD, Selby Superbowl, Bawtry Road, Selby YO8 8NA. Could it still somehow be related to her disappearance? The Times reported that evidence shows her mobile phone was active near her home four hours after her disappearance, having failed to turn up for work at York University ten years ago on March 19, 2009. One of the investigators/journalists was threatened (or told "to back off"). Immediately after Lawrences disappearance on 18 March 2009, searches were focused on the route between her home on Heworth Road and the University of York. March 23 - A man in his 50s is arrested on suspicion of murdering Miss Lawrence and is released on police bail the following day. Mr Fox, who took charge of the investigation in October following the retirement of Detective Superintendent Dai Malyn, said: Today, on the 12th anniversary of her disappearance, our hearts go out to Claudias loved ones. This aspect of her lifestyle would later cause some media speculation and would also influence the police investigation of her disappearance. I have no idea what happened to her, definitely foul play but where? [23] On 24 March 2010, NYP began searching areas of Heslington in York, based on new information received "in the last few days". Her friend Suzy wasn't happy about it either and described Claudia as a very shy person. The newspapers however took a drastic turn from being sympathetic to trashing Claudia's private life. The force said members of the public were still coming forward with information. The car's brake lights come on as it approaches level with Lawrence's cottage. [29], The MCU subsequently assessed the Lawrence case and carried out new forensic searches at her home on Heworth Road. Anyone with information is urged to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101. This page was last edited on 2 March 2023, at 22:18. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. She sent a final text message from her mobile phone at 8:23pm and a final incoming text was received at 9:12pm. I went to University in York and I think I was in my final year when she went missing. York is a lovely place with some great scenery but, as with anywhere, there are some rough areas. | The Jimmie Sue Finger Story | The Real Case Behind The TV Movie ''Stay The Night'' | Part Two. We may never know. There were people taken in for questioning and some were arrested and let go. Also, all of her belongings were found untouched in her house, so its highly unlikely that she had been planning something. "Disappointing news though this is for Claudias family, we have not given up hope, and I do believe that one day we will be able to tell them what happened to Claudia.". On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Based in Harrogate, the MCU was to be tasked from October 2013 to handle crimes including rape and kidnap, and review cold cases. A brilliant article on a truly mysterious case. [9], The North Yorkshire Police (NYP) was contacted at around 2 pm on 20 March in order to report Lawrence as a missing person. Claudia Lawrence was a chef at the University of York who vanished from the sleepy village of Hewarth, York, on the 18th of March, 2009. On the tenth anniversary of her disappearance cops admitted that the search for Claudia was hampered by the withholding of vital information. In my view, there are likely to be several people out there who either know or have strong suspicions as to what happened to Claudia. Of course, this was 2009, and she probably did not have a smartphone and this location tech was just starting to become that accurate? It was big news at the time and I know a lot of people were worried that they were in danger as well. September 17 - A file of evidence on four men arrested on suspicion of murder is sent by North Yorkshire Police to the Crown Prosecution service (CPS) so it can consider whether to bring charges. The 35-year-old, who worked as a chef at the University of York, had spoken to. This case has a lot of complexity to it but I truly believe that those who call themselves Claudias Best Friends are involved in this case and they know exactly what happens to poor Claudia. Thereafter nobody is known to have seen or heard from Lawrence.[1]. I dont know if this fact makes the case any unique, I think it probably does. However, as time went on Lawrence's family became increasingly insistent that she would have contacted them had she been able to do so. Peter (Claudia's father) sadly passed away earlier this year without fully getting to the bottom of what happened to his daughter despite years of tiresome searching. The call we really want is the one that helps piece together the parts of the jigsaw we already know regarding her last movements and people she associated with and places frequented, he added. Student houses are common targets due to them likely having several laptops, tellys and other gadgets. I hope you'll join me in this post and give me your opinion on what you think may have happened to her. Peter then entered Claudia's home using his own key in company with George Forman. The only CCTV camera on Lawrence's most direct route to work was at the Melrosegate Post Office, and the recording from the morning of 19 March did not show Lawrence passing. I think he disposed of the body in one of the building sites in York, or on somewhere on the Yorkshire Moors. I find it a little odd that this case is not as well-known as the disappearance of Andrew Gosden or Corrie McKeauge which have been widely discussed on Reddit and other websites/forums.