Bone found in garden reignites ‘murder’ probe into beloved pub landlady who mysteriously vanished on way home from work
A BONE found in a garden has reignited a “murder” probe into the beloved pub landlady who mysteriously vanished on her way home from work.
Deborah Steel, known as Debbie, vanished after a shift at the Royal Standard in Ely, Cambs, on 27th December 1997.
Despite extensive investigations, the excavation of multiple properties and three arrests, her body has never been found and no-one has been charged.
A recent discovery of a human leg bone in a garden in the city however has brought the case back into focus.
The 37-year-old was not initially recorded as missing as her partner, Brian McDermott, thought she had travelled without notice to see friends in London, which she had done before.
She had just secured the finance on a new catering business and had no reason to disappear.
Detectives believe she was murdered in Longfields, Ely, where she had taken a taxi for the mile-long journey home in the early hours of December 28.
Nine years ago, police dug up the pub’s patio in the hope they might find something but were again thwarted.
Her dad Bill’s last words on his deathbed in 2010 were ‘Find out what happened to my girl.’
Deborah’s sister Gini Secker, 61, said she was certain her sister had been murdered.
She told the BBC in 2017: “I’ve always been a massive lover of Christmas, but it fills me with sadness now.
“I still buy her presents every year – they’re all in the bottom of my wardrobe – but I know when I buy them that she’s never going to have them.
“It’s a 20-year burden.”
Timeline of events
- 27 December 1997: Deborah Steel vanished after a shift at the Royal Standard in Ely, Cambs
- Her partner raised a missing person report soon after
- The case becomes a murder investigation
- In 2016, police dug up the pub’s patio but found nothing
- In 2017, Debbie’s sister spoke to the BBC about her disappearance
- In 2024, police discover a bone they believe is linked to the case
- The bone is found to not be a match but the police appeal to the public for information
Whilst the latest bone discovery “understandably stirred up emotions” for Debbie’s family the detective said it did not belong to the woman.
They believe it to be a man’s bone but they are yet to determine the exact age of the fossil.
It does not match anyone on their wider missing persons database.
With the 27th anniversary approaching of Debbie’s disappearance, the force said it deemed it an appropriate time to appeal once again for information.
They said: “Debbie’s family are desperate for answers as they continue to grieve for her and have no idea where she is, they want to be able to lay her to rest properly and with dignity.
“We appreciate this event happened nearly 27 years ago, but we believe there are people out there who knew Debbie and may be able to shed some light on what happened to her.
“These people may not have felt comfortable speaking to police at the time, but might feel differently now.
“Justice has been a long time coming for Debbie and her family and I would urge anyone with information to please come forward and share it with us.”
Appealing for information, Detective Sergeant Kelly Adams said the case will remain open until those responsible are brought to justice.
She said: “Officers conduct regular reviews of all cold cases in the hope of finding new leads.
“Your information, no matter how small or insignificant you may think it, could help build a bigger picture and secure justice for Debbie.”
Police are keen to speak to anyone who may have any information and may not have felt able to come forward at the time.
They would also like to hear from anyone who may have been in the Fore Hill area of the city or the pub itself on December 27, 1997.