Birmingham schoolboy found to be unlawfully killed, 42 years later
The unsolved murder verdict brings bittersweet closure to the boy's family
Last updated 3rd Nov 2026
Warning: this article contains distressing content
After "42 years of heartache", the family of Mark Billington say they can finally find some justice as a coroner has ruled he was unlawfully killed. The Birmingham and Solihull Coroner’s Court decision marks a poignant moment for the Billington family and comes decades after his death in September 1984.
Mark Billington, a 15-year-old schoolboy from South Yardley, was last seen departing his home to fly a kite. His body was found two months later, hanging from a tree in woodland near Meriden, over seven miles away from his home.
Initially treated as a suicide, the death of Mark Billington was re-investigated as a murder following new evidence and inquiries in 2002. However, despite decades of investigations, no one has ever been charged with his murder.
Senior coroner Louise Hunt stated she was "satisfied that Mark was murdered and there was no evidence that he took his own life."
The coroner described the circumstances surrounding Mark's death, including the discovery of his bicycle and kite near his home. The court learned that the rope found with his body was tied in an intricate manner, something Mark was unlikely able to do himself.
Mark's family issued a statement, saying: "Our lovely mum Wynn died two years ago without ever knowing who killed her son.
"She went to her grave still searching for answers."
The coroner's ruling follows the High Court's overturning of the original inquest open verdict in June.
West Midlands Police had previously noted that Mark's death might be linked to a local scam involving fizzy drink bottles, suggesting he may have discovered the scam and the suspects involved "were trying to scare him".
After delivering her conclusion, Hunt described Mark as a "quiet" and "happy" boy with interests ranging from cooking to stamp collecting.
Mark's sister Cheryl Jeyes expressed how her family "finally" feel like "some justice has been found" for her brother, but added:
"The trauma of living with this from childhood to now never goes away because that person is potentially still out there."
Mark's brother Philip Billington shared gratitude for the coroner's support but noted, "We've been let down for 42 years.
"We're very happy with the outcome of today, but there are still things to pursue and go forward with."
West Midlands Police vows to continue focusing on justice for Mark, remaining open to any new information or lines of inquiry.