Father of 16-year-old discovered lifeless in river is satisfied he was attacked
The heartbroken father of Jonty Evans said he is convinced his son was murdered on a night out.
The 16-year-old was last seen wandering along Waterlode in Nantwich, Cheshire at 12.54am on Saturday, August 31.
He was later seen crossing the road walking into Mill Island, a park situated next to the River Weaver. The teen was reported missing and his body was found in the River Weaver the following day.
Today, his heartbroken father, Jason Evans, spoke to MaiilOnline from his rural home as he said: ‘I won’t rest until I get justice for my son.
‘Myself and his mum are in pieces. Heartbroken doesn’t even cover it. But I am convinced he was attacked and murdered.
‘I won’t rest until I get justice.’
Jonty Evans, 16, was last seen wandering along Waterlode in Nantwich, Cheshire at 12.54am on September 1
He was then seen to enter a local park known as Mill Island (pictured). His body was found in the River Weaver the next day
The father-of-four, 43, said: ‘He didn’t just fall in the river and he wasn’t suicidal.
‘It is a mystery what happened to him but we are convinced he was attacked. He did not have a lot of injuries but some marks around his neck.
‘But we just don’t know what happened to him but he was just 16, there was no need to kill him.
‘I am disgusted that the police haven’t done more. This is so devastating for us.’
Police investigating Jonty’s death have now released CCTV images of three people they believe may have ‘vital’ information about what happened to Jonty.
They include a couple who were seen entering Mill Street at 12.53am on August 31, and a man who was seen on Waterlode walking toward Nantwich town centre at 12.59am.
Officers say they are attempting to establish how Jonty entered the water.
They are also asking to speak to anyone who entered the Mill Island area or was in the vicinity of Riverside, known locally as ‘the beach’, between 12.30am and 6am on August 31.
Two 16-year-old boys were previously arrested on suspicion of assault but have since been eliminated from the investigation.
A CCTV image of a couple police wish to speak to over the death of 16-year-old Jonty Evans
Police also want to speak to this man who left Mill Island at 12.59am and walked in the direction of Nantwich town centre
Detective Inspector Nigel Parr, of the Major Investigation Team, said: ‘Our investigation into how Jonty entered the water remains ongoing and, as part of further enquiries, we are asking anyone who may have seen him in the Waterlode area of Nantwich between 12.30am and 2.30am on Saturday 31 August or has captured him on any CCTV, dashcam or ring doorbell footage to please get in touch.
‘As well as this, I would also like to ask anyone who has any information that may help officers in understanding the circumstances surrounding Jonty’s death to please come forward.’
Jonty’s family said in a tribute: ‘No words will ever describe the loss of our son. He was not only a son, but a friend and a brother. Jonty was compassionate, sensitive, brave and full of light, when he smiled it was as mountains smile to see the spring. His warm face greets me when I fall asleep and he’s there the moment I wake up.
‘You were ripped away from having a full and rich life and we were stolen the chance of ever having to see you grow old. This pain in our chests will never leave us and will forever be within our hearts because we love Jonty and that’s something no one can take away from us.
‘Tonight, and tomorrow and for the rest of our lives, we will look for you in the stars and through sunsets and remember who you were, until we meet again.’
Anyone with any CCTV, dashcam, Ring doorbell footage or any information relating to this incident can submit it to police directly via MIPP. Alternatively, information can also be passed on to Cheshire Police on 101 or via the website, quoting IML-1907900.
