A former British detective, now a private investigator, has highlighted “a number of outstanding actions” in the ongoing case of Jay Slater, the 19-year-old who disappeared on Tenerife. It’s been two weeks since Jay was last seen on June 17, and despite Spanish authorities ceasing their physical search efforts, the quest to find the Lancashire lad continues with his family and volunteers persisting in their efforts.
The official search for the missing teenager from Oswaldtwistle may have been suspended by the local police after yielding no results, but the mystery deepens with unanswered questions about two individuals reportedly seen with Jay on the night he vanished.
Mark Williams-Thomas, the ex-police officer turned investigative journalist known for his role in unveiling the scandal surrounding Jimmy Savile, has been actively involved in the case. He has spoken to key witnesses and gathered confidential details that offer a clearer view of Jay’s activities before he went missing.
Following the end of the formal search by Spanish police, Williams-Thomas commented on Sunday evening, stating: “Although the police search in the mountains and around Masca has concluded, the police investigation into Jay Slater’s disappearance remains ongoing.”
Commenting on the investigation, he stated: “In regard to our investigation we have been able to speak to important witnesses and now have a very detailed picture of Jay’s movements over the 16th and 17th, along with important background information. We still have a number of outstanding actions, but have given the family a preliminary breakdown of findings.”
Jay’s mother has confirmed that they are withdrawing monies from a £44,000 GoFundMe page that was set up to aid in locating the missing teenager. These funds will be used to cover family travel, accommodation, and meal costs as the frantic search for the 19-year-old enters its third week.
Mr Williams-Thomas suggested: “In light of the police search ending, I have suggested the family should use the GoFundMe money to continue the search using experts in searching. I would appeal again, if you have any ‘direct information’ having spoken to Jay or anyone that was with him overnight 16/17th and have not yet been in contact please do so.”
The update on the investigation into Jay’s last known whereabouts comes after the Spanish authority’s “macro” search over the weekend failed to find any new leads, with some branding it a PR exercise. Jay’s dad Warren and older brother Zak visited the search site on Saturday and offered a new update from the family’s side of things. Warren, 58, is estranged, but on good terms with Debbie.
Speaking about Saturday’s search operation, he said: “It’s a bit disappointing that there are no British apart from [British TikTokker] Paul, but I suppose to them he’s just a British lad who’s come out here and got drunk.”
