The family of a “gentle and caring” primary school teacher murdered 30 years ago spoke of their pain, as police released audio of a 999 call made by an unknown man in a bid to catch her killer.
Joy Hewer’s “tormented” parents died without seeing justice, her younger sister said as she appealed for information to grant them “the peace they deserve”.
Ms Hewer, 52, a devout Christian, was sexually assaulted and stabbed six times at her flat in Parkstone Road, Walthamstow, on October 17, 1995.
There was no sign of a break-in to the sixth-floor property, suggesting she knew her attacker.
Firefighters broke into the premises and found her body in a bedroom after two blazes were deliberately started in that room and another in the lounge.
A neighbour in St David’s Court heard loud noises or banging coming from Ms Hewer’s home between 10.30pm and 11pm.
Eighteen minutes later, a male caller used a public telephone box along nearby Fulbourne Road, requesting assistance from London Fire Brigade. He said he’d seen smoke coming from the victim’s flat.
While on the phone, he can be heard asking someone what road they were standing in to assist the emergency call handler.
Metropolitan Police detectives believe he was actually speaking to someone, not known if male or female, stood at a bus stop for either a No212 to Walthamstow Central or a W16 towards Leytonstone Station.
They also issued an image of a man captured on CCTV entering the front of St David’s Court at around 10.30pm.
He is white, in his 30s, with short hair and wearing a light-coloured jacket, and will now be aged between 60 and 70.
Paying tribute to Ms Hewer, Penny Barnes, 72, of Bedfordshire, said: “Thirty years ago, my sister Joy was brutally murdered in her own home.
“She was a gentle, caring woman who hurt no one, yet her life was taken in the cruellest way.
“Our family has lived with this torment for three decades, and our parents died without ever knowing the truth.
“Someone out there knows what happened. Please, after all this time, do the right thing. Even the smallest detail could finally bring justice for Joy and peace for us, her family.
“If you know something, however small, now is the time to speak up - Joy deserves justice, and her family deserves peace.”
Ms Hewer had been a much-loved teacher, most notably at nearby Woodhouse Primary School.
After retirement, she worked relentlessly to raise money for local charities and church organisations.
Scotland Yard is offering a £20,000 reward for information leading to the identification, arrest and prosecution of her murderer.
The Met’s Cold Case Homicide Team continue to explore all modern forensic opportunities, including advancements in DNA technology.
Detective Constable Murray Bannister said: “We urge anyone who might have information about what happened to Joy 30 years ago to contact police.
“A full DNA profile was recovered from the scene.
“It may seem a long time ago, but three decades have not dulled the pain that this horrific act inflicted on her family.
“They are still fighting to get her justice, and we continue to use every means available to catch her killer.”
Ms Hewer visited the London Healing Mission in Notting Hill on the afternoon she was murdered. A colleague saw her leave at around 3.30pm.
She headed towards Pembridge Road before visiting a chemist in Wood Street, Walthamstow, at 5.50pm.
A post-mortem examination gave the cause of death to be multiple injuries, including a number of stab wounds her chest. The pathologist also indicated Ms Hewer had been sexually assaulted prior to her death.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Met on 07599 822129, or independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously via 0800 555 111.
