Seven Years On: New appeal for taxi driver witness in Ryan Passey murder case

Image credit: West Midlands Police

Today marks seven years since Ryan Passey was tragically murdered.

West Midlands Police are re-investigating the case, with a fresh appeal for a taxi driver who may hold crucial information.

Ryan, 24, was enjoying a night out with friends after a local football match when he was fatally stabbed in Chicago’s nightclub just before 1am on 6 August 2017. Despite efforts to save him, Ryan died shortly after being rushed to hospital.

A 19-year-old man was charged with Ryan’s murder but was acquitted by a jury in February 2018. In 2022, West Yorkshire Police conducted an independent review of the initial investigation and trial, presenting 18 recommendations. They have adopted all of these recommendations and launched a new investigation.

Officers are now seeking assistance in identifying a Beacon Taxis driver who was working on the night of 5 August into the early hours of 6 August. The driver picked up a young, white man near the side entrance of Dudley Fire Station on the A459 Burton Road at around 1.10am, just minutes after Ryan was stabbed. The passenger, who has been interviewed by police, had booked the taxi to Sedgley.

Det Supt Shaun Edwards, Head of the Homicide team, said: “As the driver, you may not have felt there was anything unusual or different about this journey, but the information you have could be really important to the investigation.

“We believe you may have important information about the night’s events, and so it’s important we hear from you.

“We have been liaising with Beacon Taxis, but given the passage of time, records from the night are not available.

“Our commitment to get justice for Ryan and his family is absolute, so I’d appeal for you to help us do that and get in touch.”

Today Ryan’s family said: “Seven years ago today, our world was shattered into a million pieces and to this day we continue to suffer severe trauma and distress knowing the person who admitted to stabbing our Ryan remains a free person to live his life without any consequences for his actions back in 2017.

“Ryan’s family support this appeal by the police to identify this taxi driver who could have significant information that will assist in us getting justice for Ryan.

“We would urge him to come forward or if you think you may know the driver to please contact West Midlands Police.

“Unfortunately owing to the passage of time it will be almost impossible to trace him without the public’s help.

“This line of enquiry is significant in West Midlands Police re-investigation.”

Anyone with information has been asked to get in touch via 101, extension 841 3057. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.