Ronald Smith murder: Fresh plea for new information on killer
Police have launched a renewed appeal for a killer – in the wake of an increased sentence for a man who plotted to rob a murder victim.
Colin Cooke Sr was jailed in May for seven years after he was convicted of conspiracy to rob and assisting an offender in connection with the death of 64-year-old Ronald Smith at his West Bromwich home in May 2015.
However, police appealed against the sentence and it was quashed last week – with 62-year-old Cooke handed a new overall term of 11-and-a-half years in prison.
Cooke's son Paul was jailed for nearly 30 years in September 2016 after admitting fatally stabbing Mr Smith – just one day after he was released from prison.
Another son, Colin Cooke Jr, was jailed for 30 months after being found guilty of assisting an offender.
Det Sgt Angela Baggott last night renewed her appeal for help in tracing another person police believe was involved in the fatal attack – and stressed the murder case remains open.
She said: “This investigation is still live – we know another offender was present at the time and I urge anyone with information that could help us identify this person to come forward.
“Innocent people can be eliminated from our enquiries through forensic evidence found at the scene − and indeed my officers have already spoken to and ruled out almost 250 people.
"Someone out there knows who else was involved and I would ask them to look into their conscience and provide a name.
“Paul Cooke has been told he will spend almost 30 years behind bars… but he should not be serving this murder sentence alone.
“The search for the second person continues and I would urge anyone who suspects someone they know was involved in this killing to call West Midlands Police.
"Mr Smith’s family will not have complete closure until that person is found."
Mr Smith's body was discovered at his home in Cottage Walk four weeks after his death after neighbours raised the alarm.
Paul Cooke had killed Mr Smith before stealing £600 cash and locking the door with a key as he made off in the hope the body would remain undetected.
Officers were convinced the 34-year old did not act alone and further enquiries led detectives to arrest his father – a long-time friend of Ronald Smith – and brother in connection with the robbery.
Anyone with information is urged to call the force’s Investigation Review Team on the 101 number, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
