Mother Recalls Heartbreaking Final Conversation with Daughter Before Tragic Disappearance
Three decades have passed since the brutal and unsolved murder of 13-year-old Lindsay Rimer, who vanished after a routine trip to the local shop to buy Cornflakes in 1994. Lindsey’s mother, Geri, recently opened up about the closure she longs for and the pain she continues to endure. In a poignant interview, Geri expressed her wish to turn back time, acknowledging the harsh reality that this is impossible.
On the evening of November 7, 1994, Lindsay was at home in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, watching over her younger sister while her mother had stepped out with a friend. Unexpectedly, Lindsay appeared at the Trades Club in Hebden Bridge where her mother was, citing a need to purchase Cornflakes from the nearby Spar. Geri recalled giving Lindsay £1.20 for the purchase, emphasizing the simple errand Lindsay was meant to run before heading straight home.
Tragically, Lindsay was last seen near a bus station close to the Memorial Gardens entrance after buying Cornflakes at about 10.20pm. Geri recounted feeling an overwhelming unease that prompted her to leave the Trades Club before 11pm that night. Despite assuming Lindsay had gone to her room upon returning home, Geri later discovered Lindsay had not returned from her trip to the shop. Her disappearance was confirmed the following day when she failed to show up for her paper round, leading Geri to contact the authorities and initiate a missing person’s investigation.
The search for Lindsay garnered immense community support, with hundreds of locals joining the efforts to locate her. Tragically, five months later, on April 12, 1995, Lindsay’s body was discovered at Rawdon Mill lock. She was found fully clothed in the same outfit she wore on the day she vanished, with the loose change from her Spar purchase still in her pocket. A post-mortem examination revealed that Lindsay had likely been strangled and her body weighed down with a boulder.
Geri fondly remembered Lindsay as a delightful child, describing her as funny, caring, loving, and a dedicated student. Lindsay’s younger sister, Juliet, who was just a baby when Lindsay disappeared, has kept Lindsay’s memory alive through a memory box filled with her sister’s letters. Reflecting on her sister’s absence, Juliet expressed the void left by Lindsay’s presence during family occasions and everyday moments.
Detective Chief Inspector James Entwistle from West Yorkshire Police highlighted the significance of community involvement in the search for answers in Lindsay’s case. Lindsay’s siblings have launched an online campaign and dedicated website to gather information and appeal for justice. The family remains hopeful that someone will come forward with crucial information to bring closure and long-awaited answers.
The unresolved tragedy of Lindsay Rimer’s murder serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring pain felt by her family and the community. Despite the passage of time, the quest for justice and closure continues, with Lindsay’s memory cherished and her legacy honoured. As the investigation remains open, Geri, Juliet, and their family cling to the hope that the truth will be revealed, bringing solace and closure to a chapter marked by sorrow and unanswered questions.