Police to DNA Test Man Claiming to Be Missing Ben Needham, Says Mother
Kerry Needham remains hopeful that her son Ben, who vanished almost 35 years ago, is still alive. The 14-month-old disappeared on July 24, 1991, on the Greek island of Kos. Recently, Kerry received an unexpected email suggesting a potential lead in the case. A woman claimed her boyfriend might be Ben, who would have turned 36 in October 2023. Despite the lack of concrete evidence, Kerry expressed interest in this new tip-off, which she forwarded to the South Yorkshire Police.
Background of Ben Needham’s Disappearance
On the day of his disappearance, Kerry had moved to Kos with her son to start a new life. While Kerry worked at a hotel, Ben played outside a farmhouse being renovated by his grandparents. At around 2:30 PM, he vanished. Initial searches focused on whether he had wandered off or gone with his uncle, but panic ensued when it became evident that he was missing.
The Investigation and Trafficking Concerns
In the immediate aftermath of the disappearance, the family suspected that someone may have taken Ben in, given the heat and danger posed by the environment. They had not considered the possibility of abduction until days passed without any sign of him. As the investigation unfolded, rumors emerged about connections to gypsy trafficking gangs.
A Greek man allegedly informed Ben’s grandfather that the local gypsy community might have been involved, as Ben’s appearance—being blonde-haired and blue-eyed—could have increased his value in illegal adoptions.
Chronology of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| July 24, 1991 | Ben Needham disappears near a farmhouse in Kos. |
| July 26, 1991 | A boy matching Ben’s description is reportedly seen at a local airport. |
| June 2003 | The Metropolitan Police releases an age-enhanced image of Ben. |
| October 2010 | Kerry appeals for information on the run-up to what would have been Ben’s 21st birthday. |
| September 2016 | Police begin excavation efforts on Kos, believing Ben may have been buried near the farmhouse. |
| July 24, 2017 | Potential evidence found linked to Ben but remains inconclusive. |
| July 2021 | Investigators look into new witness claims about a boy found in Corfu. |
Continuing the Search
Kerry Needham, who has continued to spread awareness about her son’s case, recently established a website to gather information and raise funds. She has criticized the disparity in funding and promotional resources between her case and that of Madeleine McCann. Kerry is determined to access the complete case files from the Greek authorities, believing that fresh eyes on the evidence may uncover new leads.
Recent Developments
In response to the recent email allegation, South Yorkshire Police stated they are actively investigating the claim that a woman thinks her partner may be Ben Needham. Kerry remains committed to uncovering the truth about her son’s disappearance, emphasizing that no evidence has definitively established that he is deceased. Her unwavering hope is fueled by the continued flow of information and leads from the public.
While the case has generated significant attention over the years, the situation remains unresolved. Kerry’s drive and determination highlight the complexity of missing person cases and the enduring search for answers.
