Four people have today (Monday) been charged with conspiracy to murder as part of our investigation into the deaths of two men in Coventry seven years ago.

Johnny Robbins, aged 33, disappeared on 21 March 2018, and we believe he was tortured before being murdered.

Tragically, his body has not been found.  Johnny’s death is linked to the murder of Daniel Shaw, who was found with gunshot injuries to his chest in Copland Place in the Tile Hill area on 25 March, 2018.

Today five people were arrested in an early morning operation at addresses in Coventry and Warwickshire.

• Sam Jones, aged 26, and Ben Whyley, 36, have both been charged with kidnap, false imprisonment, wounding with intent and conspiracy to murder.
• Jordan Doswell, aged 29, and Junior Makosso, aged 28, have both been charged with false imprisonment, wounding with intent and conspiracy to murder.
• Thomas Young, aged 29, has been charged with kidnap and false imprisonment.

All five people were appearing before Birmingham magistrates this afternoon.

Today’s charges relate to the kidnap, torture and murder of Johnny Robbins only, as we have so far not been able to gather sufficient evidence to charge anyone in relation to the death of Daniel Shaw.

Six other people who have been arrested or voluntarily interviewed last year as part of the investigation will face no further action.

Senior Investigating Officer Jenny Birch said: “This is a really significant development in our investigation into the deaths of Johnny and Daniel.  We have said from the outset that we were absolutely committed to establishing the truth behind what happened to them, and that has been true throughout the many years we have been investigating.  We have spoken to Johnny and Daniel’s families today to update them on the latest developments, and will continue to support them.

“Seven years have passed, and allegiances change. We still need people with information about what happened to do the right thing - pick up the phone and tell us what you know.”

We still need to hear from anyone with information about the whereabouts of Ryan Hobday, aged 28 in 2018, from Coventry who is wanted in connection with the murders.  We are still seeking him, however we believe he may also have been murdered.