Family of Tom Kirwan share open letter to his killer on ninth anniversary of his murder
The family of Tom Kirwan have shared an open letter to his killer on the ninth anniversary of his murder – asking them 'how can you carry the weight of what you did that night?'.
The 23-year-old was stabbed to death outside a Wolverhampton nightclub on July 8, 2012.
Five people were jailed in 2014 for taking part in the trouble after being found guilty of affray, but no one has ever been charged with Tom's murder in Wednesfield Road after the violence flared between two groups.
Part of the violence that escalated outside the now-closed Uberra Club was caught on CCTV, but the moment of Tom's stabbing was not captured.
Tom was taken to hospital where he later died. The murder weapon has never been found and in 2018, the reward for information leading to a conviction was increased to £20,000.
On Thursday, on the ninth anniversary of Tom's murder, his family shared an open letter to his killer on social media. It said: "Today [July 8] marks the day you took our Tom's life away from him.
"Tom was a son, a brother, a grandson, a nephew, an uncle and above all a friend to many.
"Destroying Tom's life caused a ripple effect and destroyed lives around him. Generations of our family to come will never get the pleasure of knowing him.
"You did not know Tom. Tom did not know you. There is no reasoning for anyone to take a life in such a brutal manner.
"How can you carry the weight of what you did that night? How can you carry on in the future knowing you took Tom's future away?
"Are you able to look at your children, enjoy your family knowing you severed Tom's chances of having his own family?
"Tom was the young age of 23. He has lost nine years today. Nine years to live and to love."
It added: "Please share our letter, our family want Tom's murderer to read this and to know the severity of his actions."
In an updated statement, West Midlands Police said: "Our investigation into Tom’s murder has never closed and every new piece of information will be considered and reviewed.
"Our thoughts remain with Tom’s family as they still seek answers.
"Anyone with information should contact our homicide unit via Live Chat on our website or by calling 101. Information can be given to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."
In 2018, Tom’s mother, Emer Kirwan, fought back tears as she appealed for help finding his killer on BBC’s Crimewatch Roadshow.
And in 2019, Wolverhampton comedian Gary Powndland revealed his true identity as Jack Kirwan to speak out on the seventh anniversary of his cousin Tom's death. He posted on his Facebook page appealing for witnesses to come forward.
He re-shared the appeal again on the eighth anniversary last year.
Timeline
July 8, 2012 – Tom Kirwan is stabbed to death as trouble flares outside the Uberra nightclub, off the Wolverhampton ring road.
July 2012 – The investigation moves quickly and four teenagers are arrested in connection with Tom’s death. However, they are released without charge a short time later. Leaflets are handed out in pubs and clubs in an attempt to jog memories. Tom’s mother and fiancee make plea for information to find killer.
January 2013 – It emerges a further six people have been arrested in connection with Tom’s murder but all are released on bail.
March 2013 – Detectives release CCTV images from outside the nightclub in a bid to identify suspects.
June 2013 – Nine people are charged over disorder in the build-up to Tom’s death - but no-one is charged with murder. They appear in court for the first time four months later.
June 2014 – Four people are found guilty of affray following a 12-day trial at Wolverhampton Crown Court. Three others had earlier pleaded guilty to the same charge.
April 2015 – Tom’s family launches a bid to raise money to be used as a reward as their fight for justice continues.
May 2015 – The family lodges a complaint with the Crown Prosecution Service over the lack of progress with the case.
December 2015 – A £15,000 reward is put up to find Tom’s killer, with Crimestoppers adding £5,000 to the £10,000 raised following a campaign by the family.
June 2018 – Tom’s mother Emer makes an emotional appeal for answers on BBC’s Crimewatch.
