Daniel Morgan
The brutal 1987 murder of private investigator Daniel Morgan remains unsolved, tangled in allegations of police corruption and criminal conspiracy. Despite five police investigations, no one has been convicted, highlighting significant issues within the Metropolitan Police.
Victim: Daniel Morgan, 37
Perpetrator: Unknown (Main suspect Jonathan Rees)
Date of Incident: 10 March 1987
Location: Car park of the Golden Lion Pub, Sydenham, South London
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Daniel Morgan was a private investigator and co-founder of Southern Investigations.
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Daniel Morgan was found with an axe embedded in his head, notes he had written were missing, and his Rolex was stolen while his wallet and cash were left untouched.
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Led by Detective Sergeant Sid Fillery, who was later removed due to undisclosed ties to Southern Investigations.
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Six people, including Fillery, business partner Jonathan Rees, and Rees' brothers-in-law, were arrested but released without charge.
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Morgan was allegedly investigating police corruption and attempting to expose it, with media contacts including Alastair Campbell and reporters from Private Eye.
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1988 Inquest: Returned a verdict of unlawful killing but no charges were brought.
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1998 Secret Inquiry: Revealed a plot involving corrupt police officers; Rees was convicted of perverting the course of justice and sentenced to seven years in prison.
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2002-2003 Investigation: Led by Detective Chief Superintendent David Cook, offered a £50,000 reward for information, and was supported by Crimewatch appeals.
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2008 Arrests: Rees, the Vian brothers, and others were charged with murder, but the case collapsed in 2011 due to unreliable witness testimonies.
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The case has cost the British taxpayer over £50 million.
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Four high-level police inquiries, two massive undercover anti-corruption investigations, and over 40 arrests have been made.
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The murder remains unsolved, with no convictions. The Morgan family continues to seek justice and accountability.