…Researched and contributed by Solomon Thomas.
The unsolved murder of farmer Les Bate, a local millionaire in Chapel Amble, north Cornwall, still haunts his family and local police, who have lost hope of finding his killer.
Mr Bate was discovered in a pool of blood at his home in April 2002.
His family became concerned several days after he went silent, and his son Martin found him dead upon entering his house.
There was no weapon at the scene, no evidence of forced entry, and the police ruled out suicide and accidental death.
A murder inquiry was launched 10 days after Mr Bate was found.
The investigation did not progress beyond collecting “unusual” fabric samples and DNA tests from all customers and employees of the local pub Mr Bate was last seen at.
The murder was the first violent crime recorded in Chapel Amble since 1373.
According to Mr Bate’s locals, he was a controversial character, known to flash his wealth and gold.
Martin denied these accounts, saying his dad “didn’t spend much at all.”
In the months leading up to his death, Mr Bate’s home was raided by thieves who stole £47,000 worth of cash and valuables, and his wallet was taken in the attack that killed him.
Mr Bate’s death left the police clueless, and after several weeks, they ruled out their initial theory that someone close to him was responsible.
In a recent interview with CornwallLive, Martin said he doesn’t know if he and his sister would ever learn what happened to their dad.
While the killer is still at large, they hope someone out there has a conscience and comes forward to resolve the case.
He added that there’s still someone out there who knows the truth, and they’re hoping the perpetrator will be caught someday.
Although Martin is not holding out much hope, he is optimistic that justice will eventually be served.