John Cooper may have got away with two sickening double murders if it wasn't for a decision made by a hero detective. Back in 2006, newly promoted Detective Superintendent Steve Wilkins decided to reopen two cold cases that cast a shadow over the work of the Dyfed Powys police force.
A twisted killer had murdered brother and sister Richard and Helen Thomas with a shotgun in 1985, then just four years later hikers Peter and Gwenda Dixon were killed in the same manner in Pembrokeshire.
Given the nationwide impact DNA forensic science was having on solve rates in serious crime, Steve wanted to close the cases and finally get justice for the victims - and was convinced one man was reponsible.
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