A 30-year-old case in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales, involving the deaths of a young mother and her two daughters in a house fire, is receiving renewed attention. South Wales Police have confirmed a forensic review will take place to explore new opportunities for solving the case that has haunted the local community for decades.
What Happened
In October 1995, Diane Jones, 21, and her two daughters—two-year-old Shauna Hibberd and 13-month-old Sarah-Jane Hibberd—tragically died in a devastating fire at their home on the Gurnos estate in Merthyr Tydfil. The fire was found to have been deliberately started when an accelerant was poured through the house’s letterbox, and the family was discovered in an upstairs bedroom. Despite an extensive investigation, no one was brought to justice for their deaths, leaving their family searching for answers for decades.
Now, after 30 years, South Wales Police’s Major Crime Review Unit has launched a forensic review, hoping that advancements in technology may provide the breakthrough needed. Detective Chief Inspector Gareth Davies expressed hope that new forensic techniques unavailable at the time might help move the case forward.
The Legacy of Diane Jones and Her Daughters
Diane’s sister, Mary, shared the heartache her family has endured since that fateful day in 1995. She recalled how the tragedy shattered their lives and spoke of the devastating toll it took on their parents. “We didn’t just lose a sister and our nieces—we also lost our parents,” Mary said. “It absolutely broke their hearts, and they were never the same.” Mary’s father, John, tragically took his own life in 2003, unable to cope with the loss of his daughter and granddaughters.
Mary’s mother, Myra, also struggled to cope with the loss and passed away in 2012, without seeing justice for her daughter and granddaughters. “My mother used to say: ‘I hope I get to see justice before I go,’ but they never got to see justice,” Mary said, emphasizing her family’s ongoing search for answers.
Public and Social Media Reactions
Mary’s emotional appeal for justice was shared publicly, resonating deeply with those who have followed the case over the years. She made an impassioned plea to anyone with information, urging them to come forward, regardless of how much time had passed. “My message to them is please, do the right thing—come forward so my sister can finally rest with her babies,” she said. “As a family, we will never give up fighting for justice.”
Community members, friends, and concerned citizens have rallied behind the family’s plea, sharing the story on social media and using the hashtag #JusticeForDianeAndHerDaughters to amplify their message.
Official Statements and What Happens Next
South Wales Police have confirmed that the investigation is actively underway, with a renewed focus on using new forensic technologies. DCI Gareth Davies called on anyone with information to step forward, stressing that even after all these years, it’s not too late for someone to come forward with the vital information needed to solve the case.
“I am quite confident that somebody out there has information which, for whatever reason, they decided at the time to keep to themselves,” DCI Davies said. “Three decades have passed – that person may have different allegiances or may find themselves in different circumstances today. Now is the time to offload what no doubt has weighed very heavily for many years.”
The case number is 2200348104, and those with any information are urged to contact South Wales Police by calling 101 or emailing the Major Crime Review Unit at [email protected].
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This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
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