Greek police set to charge suspect in mysterious death of Jean Hanlon
- Jean Hanlon, a British mother, went missing in Crete in 2009 after sending a distress message to a friend.
- A new investigation initiated by Greek police has led to the expectation of charges against a suspect in her death.
- The family hopes this development brings justice and closure after years of uncertainty.
In Greece, the death of British mother Jean Hanlon, who went missing 15 years ago, is being actively investigated again by local police. The 53-year-old woman vanished in 2009 after a night out in the coastal village of Kato Gouves, where she had relocated from Dumfries. Prior to her disappearance, Hanlon sent a distress text message to a friend, stating simply 'Help.' Four days later, her body was discovered in the water at the port of Heraklion. Initially, authorities concluded that she had drowned, but an internal pressure from her family prompted a second autopsy that revealed severe injuries, indicating she likely did not die in the water. After years of no new leads, police investigations in 2012, 2019, and 2021 yielded no conclusive results, although foul play was acknowledged. However, the case saw renewed attention recently when Greek authorities reopened the investigation in June 2024. This revival has given hope to Hanlon's family, particularly Michael Porter, who has steadfastly believed his mother was murdered. Following the reopening, Porter and his brothers received assurance from police that a key suspect would be interviewed and possibly charged, marking a significant development in their long pursuit for justice. Porter expressed mixed emotions about the impending charges, noting that a breakthrough in the case could finally provide a sense of closure for their family after years of turmoil and uncertainty. He mentioned that during their quest for answers, they had engaged a private investigator to assist with the case, which helped compile a detailed report that contributed to the ongoing investigation. The family's fight for justice has garnered attention, highlighting the challenges faced by families of victims of unresolved cases. They have experienced both hope and disappointment throughout their journey, feeling that renewed police interest could lead to a favorable outcome. In the name of justice for Jean, they remain committed to seeing this case through as the legal process unfolds, ensuring that hopeful momentum continues without faltering.