A shocking development has emerged in one of West Yorkshire’s most haunting cold cases.
More than three decades after a teenage girl’s tragic death, a serving prisoner has been arrested in connection with the murder of 13-year-old Lindsay Jo Rimer.
Lindsay disappeared on November 7, 1994, after leaving home in Hebden Bridge to buy cornflakes.
Her disappearance triggered one of the largest missing person investigations the county had ever seen.
Sadly, five months later, her body was discovered in the Rochdale Canal, weighted down with a stone, leaving her family and the local community devastated.
Arrest Made at UK Prison
West Yorkshire Police confirmed that detectives have taken a man into custody at an undisclosed prison in the UK.
The individual is already serving time for unrelated offences.
He is expected to be interviewed over the next two days before being bailed and returned to prison while inquiries continue.
Authorities also revealed they are reaching out to a number of potential witnesses, primarily in the Hebden Bridge and Halifax areas, who may hold crucial information about the case.
Police Reaffirm Commitment to Justice
Detective Chief Inspector James Entwistle, the senior investigating officer, emphasized the force’s dedication to achieving justice for Lindsay.
He said: “We remain completely focused on doing everything possible to get justice for Lindsay and to provide her family with the answers they have long been waiting for. The arrest made today is a direct result of our ongoing investigation.
“While we understand the public’s keen interest in this development, we do not expect any immediate breakthroughs at this stage.
We also believe there are still people out there with vital information that could help ease the pain for Lindsay’s family, and we urge them to come forward.”
Family Speaks Out About the Long Wait
The impact of Lindsay’s death on her family has been profound and enduring.
Last year, her eldest sister, Kate Rimer, reflected on the emotional toll of living without closure.
She shared: “When a loved one dies, you’re eventually allowed to move forward.
You can build a life where grief is present but not overwhelming.
But we’ve been stuck in that overwhelming grief because we don’t know who is responsible for killing our sister.
Only by finding the person responsible can we finally begin to move on.”
The Road Ahead
With the recent arrest, West Yorkshire Police are renewing their appeal to anyone with information to come forward.
Even after more than 30 years, the hope is that this breakthrough could finally lead to answers, justice for Lindsay, and long-awaited closure for her family.