Remains of murdered Debbie Griggs found in St Leonards back garden

Human remains, including teeth fragments, were discovered at a property in St Leonards during an excavation in a back garden.

The body was of 34-year-old Debbie Griggs who was murdered, whilst pregnant with an 18-week-old boy, by her husband Andrew Griggs in Deal, Kent in May 1999. 

Kent Police say the discovery is proof that 59-year-old Griggs was "lying all along" about his wife's death.

He denied being responsible for her disappearance but was found guilty of murder and jailed for life in October 2019 following a review by cold case detectives from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate. 

Andrew Griggs. Image by Kent Police (Image: image by Kent Police)

Andrew Griggs had moved to the St Leonards area in July 2001 following the conclusion of the initial investigation into Debbie’s whereabouts. 

Acting on information received, specialist officers and staff excavated the back garden of the property on Wednesday, October 5 where they discovered human remains including teeth fragments. 

The remains were subject to a post-mortem examination on Friday, October 14, where specialist odontologists were able to confirm the teeth fragments belonged to Debbie. 

Further tests will now be required to establish the cause of her death. Enquiries will also be carried out to establish how Debbie’s remains came to be at the property. 

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Kimber of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate said: “It is now more than 20 years since Debbie Griggs was murdered by her husband but we have never given up hope of one day finding her remains and giving her loved ones some closure. 

“Andrew Griggs denied being responsible for his wife’s disappearance but this discovery is further proof that he was lying all along, causing even greater anguish for everyone who knew and loved Debbie. 

Read more: Remains of Debbie Griggs found in back garden in St Leonards, Dorset

“Whilst they continue to mourn her tragic loss to this day, I hope they can take some comfort in the knowledge that she can now be laid to rest. 

“We will continue to keep Debbie’s family updated on the progress of our ongoing enquiries and provide support to them at this difficult time.” 

Griggs, 59 and a sailor, was jailed for life with a minimum term of 20 years after he was found guilty of his wife’s murder following a trial at Canterbury Crown Court in October 2019. 

Prosecutors had argued he was the person with “the most reason” to wish Mrs Griggs to disappear amid suspicions of him allegedly abusing a 15-year-old girl, as well as for business reasons.