The haunting murder of Jamie Gawler in Hereford has once again taken centre stage as the BBC’s acclaimed true crime series, Murder 24/7, returns for its third series on BBC One.
Airing every Tuesday and Wednesday at 9pm, the series provides an immersive look into real police investigations across the United Kingdom, following cases from the crucial moment a 999 call is made right through to the convictions that conclude them.
Fans of the genre have praised the programme for its raw and detailed storytelling, with many describing it as “one of the best true crime documentaries” they have watched.
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Tonight (4 August), viewers are invited to watch a gripping two-part special that delves into the troubling circumstances surrounding Jamie Gawler’s death at his flat in Hereford. The episode traces events as detectives work tirelessly to unravel the case, reporting for the Mirror reveals.
The synopsis outlines the chilling scene: Two response officers discover 54-year-old Jamie Gawler deceased in an armchair, a towel covering his face. A post-mortem examination reveals extensive blunt force trauma to his head, neck, and chest, as well as nearly every rib broken. A table leg found at the scene is believed to have been the weapon used.
Detective Chief Inspector Gareth Lougher leads a dedicated team of 35 detectives and specialists in the investigation.
With no witnesses present, the detective team works intensively to reconstruct Jamie’s final days. It emerges he had been accommodating a stranger, identified as Matthew Jonathan. Further investigation leads to the recovery of Jamie’s mobile phone and belongings alongside bank cards in Jonathan’s name.
CCTV footage from Hereford train station captures Jonathan leaving the city the day before Jamie’s body is found. Further inquiries identify an associate who reveals that Jonathan was carrying a thousand pounds in cash, admitted to causing harm, and spoke of the need to flee Hereford.
Jonathan is arrested in South Wales. Upon his arrest, police discover a tattoo across his back reading ‘Natural Born Killer.’
During interview, he largely remains silent. However, analysis of his phone reveals a disturbing video suggesting that Jamie may not have been his only victim that day.
West Mercia Police confirmed that Jamie died as a result of a “vicious and prolonged assault over a number of days”, which Jonathan filmed on his mobile phone. Jonathan was subsequently charged with murder.
Following Jonathan’s sentencing, Detective Chief Inspector Gareth Lougher remarked: “We welcome today’s sentencing of Matthew Jonathan. He will now serve a significant period of imprisonment. While this will never bring Jamie back to his loved ones, we hope it provides some closure during an unimaginably difficult time for them.”
Murder 24/7 continues tonight at 9pm on BBC One, with episodes also available for streaming on BBC iPlayer.