April Jones' Sister Still Feels Pain from 2012 Murder

Hazel Jones, sister of April Jones, has spoken about the deep sadness and fear that continues 14 years after April was taken. She feels like it's a bad dream that won't end and worries for her own children.
By Newsroom | Crime, United Kingdom |

Hazel Jones, the older sister of April Jones, has spoken out about the lasting impact of her half-sister's murder, describing her family's experience as a continuous "nightmare." April Jones, who was five years old, was abducted and murdered in Machynlleth, Powys, in October 2012. Despite extensive searches, her body has never been found, with only fragments of remains recovered from the perpetrator's cottage.

Sister of April Jones 'still waiting to wake up from nightmare' of her murder - 1

Hazel Jones, now 31, broke her silence nearly 14 years after the event, sharing the profound and ongoing pain her family has endured. The loss of April has deeply affected her, and she has also expressed fear for her own children, particularly as her eldest approaches the age April was when she died. The perpetrator, Mark Bridger, was found guilty of abduction, murder, and other offenses.

Sister of April Jones 'still waiting to wake up from nightmare' of her murder - 2

Background of the Crime and Its Aftermath

April Jones vanished while playing near her home on October 3, 2012. A large-scale search operation was initiated, involving numerous volunteers and emergency services. The investigation quickly focused on Mark Bridger, a neighbor.

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Sister of April Jones 'still waiting to wake up from nightmare' of her murder - 3

  • Discovery of Remains: Fragments of April's remains were later discovered in Bridger's cottage, providing concrete evidence of his involvement.

  • Perpetrator's Account: Bridger claimed he accidentally ran April over and then disposed of her body, though he could not recall the location.

  • Legal Proceedings: Mark Bridger was convicted of child abduction, murder, perverting the course of justice, and the unlawful concealment and disposal of a body. He was sentenced to life imprisonment.

  • Unrecovered Body: A significant aspect of the case remains the absence of April's complete body, a fact that continues to trouble her family.

Family's Enduring Grief and Fear

Hazel Jones has articulated the profound and persistent distress experienced by her family. She recalls the moment she learned of April's disappearance and the subsequent realization of the gravity of the situation.

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  • The "Nightmare" Analogy: Hazel consistently refers to the events as a "nightmare," signifying a feeling of unreality and ongoing suffering.

  • "She's not just gone for a little wander, she's actually really missing." (Article 1, Article 7)

  • Impact on Parents: The murder had a severe impact on their father, who reportedly never fully recovered from April's loss. He died before learning the full details of what happened to her body.

  • "My dad was never right after April." (Article 7)

  • Fear for Own Children: Hazel has expressed anxiety for her own children, especially as her eldest daughter reached the age April was when she was taken.

  • "When my daughter was five, I remember thinking, ‘Oh my God, this is the age April was when she went.’” (Article 12)

  • "The world is so scary - I'm waiting to wake up from the nightmare." (Article 3)

Views on the Perpetrator and Justice

Hazel Jones has also shared her strong feelings regarding Mark Bridger and the justice he received. Her statements reveal a desire for him to experience continuous suffering.

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  • Desire for Protracted Suffering: Hazel has stated that Bridger did not give April an "easy way out" and believes he should endure a difficult existence.

  • "Make him suffer, make him live every day because he’s not coming out." (Article 2, Article 4, Article 5, Article 6, Article 9, Article 10, Article 11, Article 13, Article 14)

  • Rejection of Death Penalty: She has indicated that the death penalty would be too simple a punishment.

  • "The death penalty is an easy way out. He didn't give April an easy way out did he?" (Article 9, Article 11)

  • Belief in His Guilt: Hazel asserts that Bridger "deserves everything he’s getting." (Article 9, Article 10)

Expert Analysis

While the provided data focuses on the family's perspective, legal experts and psychologists have frequently commented on the profound and lasting trauma experienced by victims' families in cases where bodies are not recovered. This lack of finality can exacerbate grief and hinder the grieving process. Furthermore, the impact of such violent crimes on siblings, especially those who are older and can comprehend the loss more fully, is well-documented as a source of long-term psychological distress.

Conclusion and Implications

The statements from Hazel Jones underscore the deep and persistent trauma resulting from the murder of her sister, April Jones. The case highlights:

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  • The Lingering Impact of Unrecovered Bodies: The absence of April's complete body continues to be a source of pain and prevents a sense of closure for the family.

  • Intergenerational Trauma: The fear and distress have extended to Hazel's own children, illustrating how such events can create lasting anxieties across generations.

  • The Complexities of Justice and Vengeance: Hazel's strong emotions regarding the perpetrator reflect a common sentiment among victims' families seeking retribution that matches their perceived suffering.

The ongoing impact of this crime serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of violent acts and the long road to recovery for those left behind. Further investigation into the psychological support available to families affected by such crimes, and the societal implications of unresolved grief, would be beneficial.

Sources Used

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who was April Jones?
April Jones was a five-year-old girl who was abducted and murdered in Machynlleth, Wales, in October 2012. Her body was never fully found.
Q: What is Hazel Jones saying now?
Hazel Jones, April's older sister, is speaking out about how the murder still deeply hurts her family. She calls it a "nightmare" that continues.
Q: Why is it still hard for the family?
It is hard because April's full body was never found. Hazel also feels fear for her own children, especially as her oldest daughter gets to the age April was when she died.
Q: What happened to the person who killed April?
The killer, Mark Bridger, was found guilty of murder and other crimes. He was given a life prison sentence.