The story of John Palmer, also known as John “Goldfinger” Palmer, continues to captivate the UK. On a summer evening in June 2015, Palmer was shot dead in his garden in South Weald, Essex. The killer slipped over a fence and fired six shots at close range. Palmer managed to walk a few steps before collapsing. His family found him moments later, but he died from his wounds.
The murder shocked the nation. Police described the killing as a callous and calculated execution. Ten years on, the case remains unsolved.
Who Was John Palme?
John Palmer, often referred to as John “Goldfinger” Palmer, was once dubbed Britain’s richest criminal. Authorities linked him to the infamous Brink’s-Mat gold robbery in 1983, which earned him the nickname. The thieves stole £26 million worth of gold, diamonds, and cash from a warehouse near Heathrow. Palmer was accused of melting down the stolen gold, but he was acquitted after claiming he did not know the bars were stolen.
Palmer’s criminal career did not end there. The court later convicted him of masterminding the largest timeshare fraud in British history. Thousands of people lost millions in the scam. At the time of his conviction, his fortune was estimated at £300 million.
The Crime Scene and Investigation
On the day of his murder, Palmer was burning rubbish in his garden. The killer had been watching him, as evidenced by a hole found in the fence. The attack happened in the only area of the garden not covered by CCTV. The police believe that a professional hitman committed the murder. They have explored hundreds of lines of enquiry and examined thousands of pieces of evidence.
Despite their efforts, detectives have not caught the killer. The investigation has spanned the UK and abroad, delving into Palme’s criminal associations and past dealings.
Theories and Suspects
Speculation about who killed John Palmer runs rampant. Some people believe that his involvement in a major property fraud in Tenerife led to the murder. Palme and several others were due to stand trial for the scam, which conned thousands out of an estimated £30 million. Police suspect the killing may have been connected to this case.
Others point to Palme’s connections with organised crime. Over the years, there have been rumours that Palme was a police informant. Some believe his underworld ties may have made him a target.
The Family’s Plea for Justice
Palme was not just a notorious figure; he was a father and grandfather. His family has spent a decade searching for answers. They continue to appeal for information, hoping someone will come forward. Police believe loyalties within the criminal world may have shifted, and new witnesses could help solve the case.
The pain for his loved ones has not faded. They want justice for John Palmer, and the police remain determined to find his killer.
The Legacy of John Palmer
The story of John Palmer continues to fascinate the public. His life and death have inspired documentaries and television dramas, including the BBC series “The Gold.” The case remains one of the UK’s most high-profile unsolved murders.
Police urge anyone with information to contact them, even if it seems insignificant. The hope is that one day, the mystery of who killed John Palmer will finally be solved.
Why the Case Still Matters
The John Palmer murder case is a reminder of the enduring power of crime stories in the UK. It highlights the complexities of organised crime and the challenges faced by law enforcement. The unsolved nature of the case keeps it in the headlines.
As the years pass, the hunt for answers continues. The story of John Palmer, the Midas touch mobster, remains an open wound for his family and a puzzle for the nation. The question endures: Who killed John Palmer?