Tom Kirwan murder: Five years on family make plea for justice
The heartbroken family of Tom Kirwan have vowed they will not rest until they get justice as it emerges the investigation into his murder is being 'reviewed'.
The 23-year-old’s killing remains unsolved five years after he was stabbed to death outside Uberra nightclub, the former Canal Club, in Wolverhampton.
A £15,000 reward was offered in 2015 for any information that could lead to a conviction but still nobody has been charged with his murder.
Now West Midlands Police has confirmed it is reviewing its investigation as it continues to appeal for witnesses.
Brigg Ford, a spokesman for the force, said: "A West Midlands Police review of the homicide investigation is being carried out and the results of that review will be passed to the family in due course.
"This remains a live murder investigation and we are still appealing to any witnesses who saw what happened that night, and have not yet spoken to police, to contact us as their information could be crucial in securing justice for Tom's family."
Tom’s sister, 34-year-old Martine Johnson, has warned his killer that she and her family will not stop until they get justice.
Speaking exclusively to the Express & Star she said: “With the James Brindley murder it just brings it all back and it will not stop coming back until this person is brought to justice.
“Five years is a long time, people change, friendships change and situations change. If people see we are still fighting then it might jog their memory and they might come forward.
“We do not want Tom ever to be forgotten and the family will not stop until we get justice.”
Asked about her brother, who was engaged at the time of his murder, Ms Johnson added: “Tom had everything going for him. He was turning into a young man with his whole life in front of him. He was engaged and he had bought his first home and it was all snatched away for something so trivial. It was a random act of evilness.
“The day after he would have been celebrating my birthday with me instead every year I have to go and visit his grave.
“We have got different mothers so we were brought up in different homes but he was still my baby brother and I babysat him nearly every weekend.
“I remember getting him first teddy from the supermarket after he was born to go into his incubator.
“I have had a son since (Brandon, 12) and he was born on the same day as Tom. It’s hard as there’s always a reminder there.
“He was such a fun, happy go lucky chap with world in front of him. But he will never be a dad and a husband now and for what? What have they got out of it? They do not even get the notorious name because they are too cowardly to even confess.
“One day we will get justice and it will never go away until the whole world knows who the scumbag is responsible for Tom Kirwan’s murder.
She added: “Murder cases do not close they go cold until they get re-looked at it. Well after five years Tom’s murder is due to be re-looked at.
“He will never be forgotten. I do not care how much they have moved on with their lives, one day this will catch up with the person or people who did this and the family will not rest until it does.
“The £15,000 reward is still there and the family is still fighting.”
Tom, a Wolves fan, was killed on July 8 2012 after trouble broke out between two groups outside the Uberra nightclub, currently a kitchen showroom, before more people arrived in cars and joined in. Tom, who worked at Bridgnorth Aluminium, was stabbed and later died in hospital.
Five people were locked up in 2014 for taking part in the trouble after being found guilty of affray after a trial but no has been charged with his murder.
Anyone with any information should contact West Midlands Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
