Neighbours: Unexpected Return After 38 Years Leads To Murder

Axel S�rensen

4 min read

Post on Apr 26, 2025

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The Mysterious Disappearance and the Unexpected Reappearance

The initial disappearance of Arthur Jenkins in 1985 remains shrouded in mystery. He vanished without a trace, leaving behind a life seemingly untouched by any significant conflict or hardship. Local rumours circulated, whispering of a clandestine affair, gambling debts, or even a sudden desire for a new life far from the familiar. The police investigation at the time yielded little, ultimately classifying his disappearance as a missing person case with no clear leads.

• Date of disappearance: July 14th, 1985.
• Last known contact: A brief phone call to his sister, promising to be in touch soon.
• Initial police investigation: Minimal investigation due to lack of evidence or indication of foul play.
• Speculation within the community: Varying rumours suggested everything from a secret love affair to a sudden relocation, fuelled by speculation and a lack of solid information.
• The neighbour's sudden return: Arthur Jenkins reappeared on the quiet residential street unexpectedly on June 10th, 2023, causing widespread shock and confusion among his former neighbours.

The Relationship Between the Victim and the Neighbour

The victim, Margaret Davies, was a long-time resident and a close friend of Arthur's sister, Mary. While the relationship between Margaret and Arthur himself wasn't overtly close, there was a shared history. While accounts are patchy, it seems their past interactions were primarily polite encounters rather than deep friendships. However, the police investigation uncovered a potential motive stemming from an old land dispute.

• Details of past interactions: Primarily limited to polite exchanges at community events before Arthur's disappearance.
• Evidence of existing conflicts or disputes: Documents revealed a simmering dispute over a small parcel of land bordering their properties that had never been fully resolved before Arthur's disappearance.
• Witness testimonies describing their relationship: Most neighbours described their relationship as cordial but distant. However, one neighbour reported overhearing a heated argument between them shortly before the murder.
• Potential financial or personal motivations for the murder: The unresolved land dispute is believed to be the primary motivation, potentially exacerbated by Arthur's unexpected return and renewed claims to the contested property.

The Crime Scene and Evidence

The murder occurred in Margaret Davies' garden shed, discovered by her son on the morning of June 12th, 2023. The crime scene indicated a struggle, with signs of forced entry. The weapon used was a garden spade, found discarded nearby, and forensic analysis has confirmed Arthur Jenkins' DNA on the handle.

• Location and time of the murder: Margaret Davies' garden shed, sometime between the evening of June 11th and the morning of June 12th, 2023.
• Type of weapon used: A garden spade.
• Key pieces of forensic evidence collected: Blood spatter, fingerprints, soil samples, and the murder weapon itself.
• Preliminary findings from the autopsy report: The cause of death was determined to be blunt force trauma to the head.

The Investigation and Arrest

The investigation involved numerous witness interviews, a thorough forensic analysis of the crime scene, and the tracing of Arthur Jenkins' movements since his return. A breakthrough occurred when a neighbour recalled seeing a figure resembling Arthur Jenkins leaving Margaret Davies' property late on the night of the 11th. This, combined with the forensic evidence, led to his arrest on June 18th, 2023.

• Timeline of the investigation: The investigation lasted for a week, from the discovery of the body to the arrest.
• Key witnesses and their testimonies: Several neighbours provided valuable information, including the sighting of Arthur Jenkins near the victim's property.
• The evidence leading to the arrest: The combination of forensic evidence (DNA on the murder weapon) and witness testimony proved crucial.
• Charges filed against the suspect: Arthur Jenkins has been charged with first-degree murder.

Conclusion

The unexpected return of Arthur Jenkins after 38 years, culminating in the tragic murder of Margaret Davies, shocked the quiet neighbourhood. This case illustrates the devastating consequences of unresolved conflicts and the unforeseen dangers that can lurk beneath the surface of seemingly ordinary communities. The long-dormant land dispute reignited by his return led to a brutal end. The story serves as a potent reminder that even seemingly minor disagreements can escalate into unforeseen tragedy. What are your thoughts on this shocking case of neighbours turning deadly? Share your opinions on the unexpected return and its tragic consequences in the comments below. Learn more about similar cases of unexpected neighbourly disputes leading to murder.