Full Breakdown
Second Arrest in the Decades-Old Murder Investigation of Donna Keogh
7/4/2026, 9:10:18 PM
New Arrest and Ongoing Investigation
Police in the United Kingdom have placed a 62-year-old man in custody in the Manchester area on suspicion of murdering 17-year-old Donna Keogh, who disappeared from central Middlesbrough on 28 April 1998. The suspect is being interviewed, marking the second arrest in the case. Earlier in 2024, a 64-year-old man from Leeds was detained on similar suspicion and remains on police bail while enquiries continue. Investigators have yet to locate Keogh’s body, which has never been recovered.
Background of the 1998 Disappearance
Donna Keogh, a 17-year-old resident of Middlesbrough, was last seen leaving the town centre on the evening of 28 April 1998. She is known to have travelled to Leeds later that year, but no further trace was found. Police have long concluded that she was likely killed shortly after her disappearance, although the exact circumstances remain unknown. The case has persisted as one of the region’s longest-running missing-person investigations.
Official Police Statements
Detective Inspector Evan Kirtley confirmed the second arrest was made “this morning” and said the suspect remains in custody for questioning. He reiterated police commitment to keep Keogh’s family fully updated and urged anyone with information to come forward, noting the £20,000 Crimestoppers reward.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This morning we have made a second arrest in connection with the murder of Donna Keogh.” — Evan Kirtley, Deputy Senior Investigating Officer
- “The man remains in police custody where he will be interviewed.” — Evan Kirtley, Deputy Senior Investigating Officer
- “We remain in close contact with Donna's family and they are being kept fully updated.” — Evan Kirtley, Deputy Senior Investigating Officer
- “Donna's family have lived with unbearable uncertainty for nearly 30 years as they need answers as to what happened to Donna, and we are determined to find those answers for them.” — Evan Kirtley, Deputy Senior Investigating Officer
- “Somebody out there knows what happened and could tell us, in order to give the family some comfort and peace, after all this time.” — Evan Kirtley, Deputy Senior Investigating Officer
Conflicting Information and Unresolved Questions
The investigation has not yet located Donna Keogh’s remains, and no forensic evidence linking either suspect to the disappearance has been publicly disclosed. Consequently, the precise cause of death and the identity of the perpetrator remain unconfirmed.
Next Steps
Police will interview the newly arrested suspect and continue to review existing evidence. The £20,000 Crimestoppers reward remains active, and investigators have urged anyone with knowledge of the case to contact authorities anonymously. Updates are expected as the interview process progresses.
