"Someone must know something" four years on from disappearance and death of Sunderland teen
4 years on from the disappearance and death of a Sunderland teenager - police say they know someone must know something
“Someone, somewhere, knows something – and is keeping quiet.”
That’s the message from officers as they continue to investigate the death of a Sunderland teenager – whose body was found in a makeshift grave nearly four years ago.
Kieran Williams, 18, went missing from his Esplanade West home on April 18, 2022, and extensive enquiries were carried out to locate him.
However, six weeks later, a makeshift grave was found on a disused industrial estate South of the River Wear, between the Northern Spire Bridge and Claxheugh Rocks, on May 31.
Kieran was found in the grave, where he had been stabbed at least 23 times and his body set on fire.
Two men were later charged in connection with Kieran’s death and stood trial at Newcastle Crown Court, where they were both acquitted of murder.
One of the men was found guilty of manslaughter and jailed for five years. However, a judge concluded at the hearing that Kieran’s killer remains at large.
Detective Superintendent Matt Steel, the Senior Investigating Officer for the case, has today urged the public to “do the right thing” and help them secure closure for Kieran’s family.
He said: “Saturday the 18th of April 2026 marks four years since Kieran disappeared and was tragically murdered.
“This was a horrific case where Kieran – a young man at only 18 years old – was brutally stabbed at least 23 times.
“As ever, our thoughts remain with all of Kieran’s loved ones as they grieve their loss, and we remain committed to getting answers for them.
“A dedicated team of detectives continue to review the evidence in this case and follow every avenue to identify any other offenders involved in Kieran’s murder.
“While one man was found guilty of manslaughter at trial in 2023, our investigation remains very much active, and we will continue to follow up on any new leads.”
Det Supt Steel added: “And on the anniversary of Kieran’s disappearance, I am urging anyone who knows something about his death to do the right thing and share what they know.
“We know there were other unidentified fingerprints left at the scene of the murder.
“Ultimately, someone, somewhere, knows who they might belong to and is keeping quiet.
“In the coming weeks, we will be carrying out enquiries in the area of the crime scene and obtaining fingerprints from people in the community.
"If you are reading this appeal and know something about the circumstances of Kieran’s death or other people involved, no matter how small it may seem, please do not delay in contacting police.”
Anyone with information about Kieran William’s murder is asked to contact Northumbria Police as soon as possible through their dedicated Major Incident Public Portal online.