It has been 30 years since Janet Brown, a mother-of-three and medical researcher, was brutally murdered in her own home. Now, her daughter is renewing the call for information, hoping someone will finally come forward to help bring her mother’s killer to justice—and prevent them from hurting someone else.
Janet Brown, 51, was found bludgeoned to death at her house in Buckinghamshire on April 10, 1995. Her body was discovered the next morning by a builder and his son. Despite a large investigation and a DNA profile from the crime scene, the case remains unsolved.
What Happened to Janet Brown?
On the night of the murder, Janet was home alone. Her husband, Dr Grahaem Brown, was working in Switzerland. Her youngest daughter, 17-year-old Roxanne, was out celebrating with a friend. Her older children, Zara and Benedict, were living away from home at the time.
Someone tried to break in through the patio door, first attempting to cut the glass, then smashing their way in. The attacker then handcuffed Janet, gagged her, and beat her to death. She was found naked at the bottom of the stairs.
Police ruled out sexual assault, and despite the house being searched, nothing was stolen. This has left detectives and her family baffled about the killer’s motive.
A DNA Sample, But No Match Yet
Thames Valley Police collected a DNA sample believed to be from the killer, but it has never matched anyone in the national database.
Over the years, police have screened more than 1,000 men, but none have been identified as the killer. Officers believe the DNA could still be the key to solving the case.
Detective Peter Beirne from the Major Crime Investigation Review Team said:
“We believe someone knows who did this. Even a small detail, or a person acting strangely when the case is brought up, could help us.”
He added that police can now request DNA samples from suspects or their relatives, even if the person has passed away or moved abroad.
Janet’s Daughter Speaks Out
Janet’s daughter, Zara Harden, has made a public appeal, urging anyone with information to come forward—no matter how much time has passed.
“It’s baffling why anyone would target our home and my 5ft 4in mum, who was alone and defenceless. Her killer has gotten away with it for 30 years,” she said.
“They could do it again—to another woman, another family. We just want justice and to stop them from hurting anyone else.”
£20,000 Reward for Information
There is currently a £20,000 reward for any information that leads to the arrest and conviction of Janet Brown’s killer. The reward is being offered by Crimestoppers, who can receive tips anonymously.
If you have any information, you can:
- Contact police online or call 101, quoting reference 695 (4/8)
- Or remain anonymous by contacting Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org