Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Three in custody after series of arrests in Coventry double murder probe

West Midlands Police said a total of 10 people had been detained this week on suspicion of conspiracy to murder or assisting an offender.

Matthew Cooper
Friday 12 April 2024 11:20 EDT
Murder victims Daniel Shaw and Johnny Robbins (West Midlands Police/PA)
Murder victims Daniel Shaw and Johnny Robbins (West Midlands Police/PA)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Three suspects are being questioned in connection with the murders of two men in Coventry six years ago.

Johnny Robbins, 33, disappeared on March 21 2018, and is believed to have been tortured before being murdered.

Mr Robbins’ death has been linked by detectives to the murder of Daniel Shaw, 28, who was found with gunshot injuries to his chest in Copland Place, Tile Hill, four days after Mr Robbins was last seen.

While we have made good progress in recent months, it’s still really important that anyone who has information on the murders gets in touch

Investigating officer Jenny Birch

A third man, Ryan Hobday, aged 28, is wanted in connection with the deaths but police believe he too may also have been murdered.

West Midlands Police said six men have this week been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder, while two women and two men have been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

Three of the men arrested were held on Thursday and Friday and are still in custody, while the other seven suspects arrested have been released on bail while the investigation continues.

All those held are aged in their 20s and 30s and were arrested at locations across the Midlands, including Coventry and Warwickshire.

In a statement issued through West Midlands Police, Mr Robbins’ mother Ginnie said: “We’ve been in a very long and black tunnel for six long and painful years.

“There’s still a long way to go but we are very confident in the job the homicide team are doing to get justice for our very much loved and dearly missed Johnny.”

Mr Shaw’s sister Blossom said: “It is uplifting as a family to finally see, after six years, some positive progress in the investigation into Daniel’s murder.

“We truly hope we can get some justice for Dan and our thoughts are with him always.”

Deputy senior investigating officer Jenny Birch said: “These are significant arrests that have been some time in the planning.

“We are absolutely committed to establishing the truth behind what happened to Johnny and Daniel.

“While we have made good progress in recent months, it’s still really important that anyone who has information on the murders gets in touch.

“Six years have passed, and allegiances change. Do the right thing, and pick up the phone and tell us what you know.”

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in