Natalie Pearman murder: Never-before-seen photos released

The images of Natalie Pearman have been shared with the public just days before the 30th anniversary of her unsolved murder.

The 16-year-old's body was discovered by a lorry driver in a lay-by at Ringland, on the outskirts of Norwich, in the early hours of November 20, 1992.

Her younger sister Georgina has released the family photos in the hope that they may encourage people to come forward with new information.

“Natalie was only 16 when she died. She was just a child," she said.

“Someone somewhere knows something about her murder.

"Thirty years is a long time, it’s long enough and it’s time for someone to tell the police the truth. Even if the person responsible for her death has died, we just want to know what happened."

Georgina, now 35, was only five when Natalie died. She said that while no one can take away the pain of the last three decades, it was time for her family to be given "closure".

“It’s been amazing looking at these photos again, she looks so happy," said Georgina,  who lives in Norfolk with her husband and two young sons.

"For all the negativity often associated with her name over the years, Natalie is happy in these photos and that’s nice to see for me, my brothers and sister. It’s also heartbreaking.

“Natalie was so much more than how she died. She loved horses and horse riding, she was an incredibly gifted artist and a much-loved sister, daughter, and friend.

"When something like this happens, it affects everything and everybody. Natalie had family and friends, and her death has overshadowed all our lives.

“Nobody can take away the 30 years of pain my family has been through but it’s time to give us some closure.”

Natalie had been working as a sex worker in the red-light district of Norwich at the time of her death.

She was last seen alive on Rouen Road, at 1.15am on the same day her body was found.

A post-mortem examination revealed she had died from asphyxiation.

At the time of the initial investigation, officers obtained a DNA profile which they believe is the killer's. It has been loaded onto the national database.

The investigation into Natalie's death has never been closed and has been subject to reviews since 1992.

Subsequent enquiries have included interviewing more than four thousand people, with a large number providing samples for DNA testing.

The 25-anniversary appeal in 2017 received an encouraging response with Norfolk Constabulary receiving 56 telephone calls and emails.

As a result, 11 new DNA profiles were taken from men whose names had been put forward as being potentially involved.

Another 30 names of interest were confirmed as already on the national database and were known to the enquiry.

Officers have also revisited original witnesses and several new ones who did not come forward in 1992. 

Neither police enquiries nor the names put forward have identified the person responsible for Natalie’s murder.

Last year, Natalie’s other sister, Jennifer Crabtree, spoke out about the tragedy at the launch of the Supporting Siblings Left Behind group (SSLB).

Mrs Crabtree, who lives near the Norfolk Broads, set up SSLB as she “doesn’t want Natalie’s death to be all negative”.

She said: “SSLB is a place where people who have lost siblings through murder and suicide, which sadly is happening far too often, can come and chat about what they are experiencing, how they are feeling, or just talk about everyday life.

“We would all have experienced something similar which makes it easier to talk to someone who just "gets it"."

Mrs Crabtree said she could still remember Natalie's "amazing laugh".

"I can still hear it now which is so special to me," she added.

"She was artistic, loved horses, was great at gymnastics and dance, super slim."

Andy Guy, Norfolk Constabulary's cold case manager, said: “Natalie was little more than a child when she was murdered and her family deserve to know what happened, and who was responsible for her death.

“I’d ask anyone with information that may help explain the circumstances surrounding her death to share this with us. We have what we believe is the DNA from the man that killed Natalie.

"One call with one name could resolve this case.

“There must be people who know or strongly suspect who was responsible, and I’m sure that plays heavily on their conscience.

"I would also be interested to hear of any rumours that circulated regarding Natalie following her murder. Please do the right thing and help bring closure to Natalie’s family.”

Anyone with information can contact Norfolk Constabulary’s cold case team by emailing unsolvedcasereviews@norfolk.police.uk or phoning 01953 423819.

Alternatively, they can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.