Helen Kane’s body was discovered on a building site by a man walking his dog on May 25 1970, on the day that would have been her wedding anniversary.
More than 50 years on, the mystery of her death continues.
Following her death, it was concluded that she died from head injuries after she was hit by a slab.
The 24-year-old from Craigmillar in Edinburgh had been enjoying a night out celebrating their anniversary at the Dockers Club on Academy Street, alongside two other couples in Leith, leaving the night out at around 11.25 pm, reports Edinburgh Live.
Witnesses claimed a woman who resembled Helen was seen getting into a taxi with a man, and the vehicle headed towards Easter Road.
A couple was also spotted in Holyrood Park, not far from where her body was found the following day. Helen, who was described by her friend Rosemary Cook as ‘an attractive, quiet person, who lived for her children’.
Speaking with the Evening Express, Rosemary continued: “We couldn’t get into the club and Brian and I left Mr and Mrs Kane and the other couple about 7.30pm. They said they were going down to Leith.”
“That was the last time I saw Mrs Kane, I did not know about the tragedy until today.”
Helen’s sister Janey was waiting with the couple’s four kids, however tragically, Helen would never make it home.
Her body was soon discovered by Christopher Holmes, and his Irish setter Dougal. The dog discovered the nude body, covered in blood, in a shallow excavation pit filled with rocks south of the Pleasance.
Detectives immediately launched a hunt, questioning all taxi drivers who had been on duty on Saturday 23. Detective Chief Inspector Alistair Morrison said: “We want to know if a couple were taken by taxi to the Dumbiedykes area between 11pm that night and 2am the following morning.”
Police also assume the victim had travelled with another young woman on a number 12 bus from the Niddrie Mains area, around 7.45pm on the Saturday night. Detective Morrison added: “They are believed to have got off the bus near the foot of Leith Walk.”
“We are anxious to trace this young woman who was with the victim – and any other persons travelling on that bus.”
The other passengers travelling with Helen were never traced, and their identity remains unknown. As for her murderer, several suspects have been investigated although none have come to a conclusion.
At the time of the incident, police in Edinburgh and Glasgow looked into possible connections with Bible John, the name given to the unidentified serial killer who is believed to have murdered three young women in Glasgow in the late 60s.
However, detectives soon said there was no link to Helen Kane.
Angus Sinclair, dubbed the World’s End Murderer, was also investigated surrounding Helen’s murder – but was provided an alibi by his family.
Anne Marie Davy, Helen’s niece and goddaughter, said in 2020: “My auntie was only 25 and had four sons aged six and under. The youngest was only about ten months old.”
“This was a really rare night out for her, but even so she left early, we think to get back for her kids. She was kind and loving and she deserves justice.”
To this day, Police Scotland are committed to finding answers. Detective Chief Inspector Brian Geddes said: “Unresolved murders are cases that are never closed and Police Scotland is fully committed to identifying those people responsible for all such cases. Police Scotland works closely with the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and meets regularly to review outstanding unresolved murders from across the country.”
“Working collaboratively as the Homicide Governance Board, the potential for new investigative opportunities are regularly assessed to maximise the ability to deliver justice for grieving families, irrespective of the passage of time.”
“We would appeal to anyone who has information which could assist in such cases, to contact the Police Scotland via the 101 number. Information can also be provided through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.”
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