April Jones' sister speaks of 'nightmare' since 2012 murder
BBC World
February 13, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The sister of April Jones, Hazel, has shared her harrowing experience since the 2012 murder of their five-year-old sibling, describing it as a "nightmare" that continues to shape her life. Speaking for the first time publicly, Hazel revealed how the loss of April has left an indelible mark on her family, particularly herself and her children. The case remains unresolved, with only fragments of April's remains found, and her body never recovered.
April was abducted near her home in Machynlleth, Wales, by Mark Bridger, who later confessed to the crime during his trial. Despite claims that he accidentally ran over April and couldn’t recall where her body was buried, evidence such as bone fragments and bloodstains linked him to the murder. Bridger was sentenced to a whole-life prison term, with the judge calling him a "pathological liar" and a paedophile. Hazel described the trauma of learning about her sister’s disappearance while she was heavily pregnant, leading to a mix of grief and fear for her own child.
Hazel’s journey has been marked by constant anxiety and the struggle to come to terms with April’s loss. She shared how giving birth to her first daughter shortly after April’s abduction brought joy intertwined with sorrow. The resemblance of her newborn to April only deepened her grief, highlighting the stark reality of her sister’s absence. As a mother of three, Hazel continues to grapple with the lingering effects of this tragedy, emphasizing that the pain has never lessened.
The case remains significant not only for its shocking nature but also for its impact on the Jones family and the community. April’s disappearance sparked one of the largest missing person searches in UK police history, leaving her family still waiting for closure nearly a decade later. Hazel’s voice adds depth to this ongoing narrative, offering insight into the profound human cost of such crimes and the enduring search for justice.
In sharing her story, Hazel hopes to shed light on the lasting effects of such traumatic events and honor April’s memory. The case serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in society and the need for vigilance in protecting children. As the Jones family continues to wait for
Verticals
worldpolitics
Originally published on BBC World on 2/13/2026