Crimestoppers has announced a £20,000 reward for anyone who can help solve the murder of a Scottish mother that occurred 30 years ago. Shona Stevens, aged 31, was discovered with severe injuries in a wooded location in Irvine, Ayrshire on November 10, 1994. Sadly, she passed away in the hospital three days later. The incident remains unsolved, prompting detectives to seek public assistance as the anniversary of her tragic death approaches.
In a heartfelt plea for information, Shona’s mother Mhairi Smith, 90, and her daughter Candice Stevens, 37, have urged potential witnesses to come forward to help bring closure to the family. They emphasised the importance of obtaining justice for Shona and expressed that not a day passes without her memory residing in their hearts. Detectives believe Shona was struck with a blunt object, potentially a hammer, during the attack, although no motive has been established to date.
The investigation took a significant step forward in 2021 when police released an image of a distinctive keyring found at the crime scene, hoping it might jog someone’s memory. Detective Inspector Stuart Gillies from Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team reiterated the commitment to resolving Shona’s murder, encouraging those with any relevant information to reach out. He stressed the potential presence of crucial details that could lead to a breakthrough in the case and bring solace to Shona’s family.
Efforts to uncover the truth have intensified, with a dedicated team of officers conducting thorough enquiries and utilising advancements in forensic science to explore all possible leads. Authorities suspect that the perpetrator may have had ties to the local community, prompting a call for individuals who were in the vicinity during the time of the incident to come forward. The £20,000 reward offered by Crimestoppers underscores the urgency in solving this long-standing mystery and delivering closure to Shona’s loved ones.
Anyone with information that could aid the investigation is encouraged to contact Police Scotland through 101 or submit details anonymously to Crimestoppers via their website or contact centre. The plea for justice for Shona continues as the community rallies together to seek answers and bring peace to her grieving family.