THE parents of a tragic footballer have begged for the “real truth” six years on from his brutal murder – as cops trace potential witnesses.
Ryan Passey, 24, was on a night out at Chicago Rock Cafe in Stourbridge, West Midlands, when he was knifed through the heart.
The horrific killing in August 2017 remains unsolved after Kobe Murray, 19, was previously cleared of murder.
West Midlands Police have now issued CCTV images of two men they would like to track down as they re-launched a probe into Ryan’s death.
The force confirmed the men are potential witnesses but said they were not inside the club at the time the stabbing unfolded.
Det Insp Jim Church, leading the re-investigation, said: “I want to be really clear that the men in the images are witnesses.
“Although we don’t believe they witnessed the stabbing itself they may hold information that is now important to our enquiry.
“We believe they were outside Chicago’s on the evening of the attack, but did not go inside and instead left the area after waiting in the queue.
“I would urge them or anyone who knows them to come forward, so we can speak to them.”
Six years on and we are still here fighting for justice for Ryan, a fight we hope no other parent and family will ever have to go through.
Ryan's family
Ryan had been enjoying a night out with friends after playing at a local football match when he was stabbed.
He was rushed to hospital but sadly couldn’t be saved and died shortly after.
More than 600 people were at Chicago’s on the night he died but many have not come forward.
Ryan’s family issued their own plea for information in the hope of finding his killer.
They said today: “Six years on and we are still here fighting for justice for Ryan, a fight we hope no other parent and family will ever have to go through.
“Justice for Ryan will continue to work with the new team of detectives at West Midlands Police who are re-investigating Ryan’s murder.
“We urge anyone who has information or has kept silent thus far to come forward and speak to the Police, so that the real truth and full details of what happened to Ryan can be revealed.”
Anyone with information can call police on 101 quoting log 2313 of 20 July, 2023.
Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
