Killer's release could end victim's body search

A prosecutor has cautioned the High Court that the potential release of Glyn Razzell, convicted of murdering his estranged wife Linda in 2002, could extinguish any remaining hope of locating her remains. Razzell was imprisoned for life in 2003 and has consistently refused to reveal where he hid Linda's body.

In April of this year, the Parole Board determined that Razzell could be released, a decision subsequently referred to the High Court by the Justice Secretary. Linda's cousin, Judy Westmore, conveyed to the court that Razzell's freedom would mean "all hope of ever finding Linda's remains will be lost."

Linda, who was 41 when she vanished from Swindon, Wiltshire, was last seen on March 5, 2002. Razzell, who had been undergoing divorce proceedings with Linda, was arrested and charged with her murder. Investigations uncovered blood traces in a car he had used, and Linda had previously reported fearing he would kill her, citing instances of violence and threats.

Although Razzell has reportedly been compliant in prison and engaged in psychological sessions, the prosecution described him as "deeply deceitful." Razzell has applied for parole four times and was previously denied under Helen's Law, which mandates consideration of a killer's refusal to disclose a victim's body's whereabouts. The Parole Board, however, stated that this denial cannot be an absolute bar to release.