PORTSMOUTH, England – Simon Parkes, an 18-year-old Royal Navy rating, disappeared in Gibraltar in December 1986 and is believed to have been murdered by Allan Grimson, also known as the ‘Frankenstein Killer’. Parkes’ mother, Margaret Parkes, has revealed his heartbreaking final letter in the hope of finding answers about her son’s disappearance. Grimson, a former sailor, was convicted of killing two other young navy recruits and is currently serving a prison sentence.
With excavations taking place in a Gibraltar car park, Margaret Parkes hopes that the release of her son’s last letter will jog someone’s memory and provide valuable information. The heart-wrenching letter depicts Simon’s fascination with the thousands of turtles he observed hatching on an Omani beach and his anticipation of returning home.
Simon eagerly wrote about his life-changing experiences during his voyage onboard the aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious, detailing the fascinating occurrences from guarding alcohol on the beach to being filmed for a TV documentary. His disappearance in Gibraltar, on December 12, 1986, came as a shock to his family, leaving them in agony and desperate for answers.
Margaret Parkes, despite the passage of time, still holds onto hope and aims to shed light on her son’s fate with the ongoing excavations. The Navy initially believed Simon had gone AWOL after the ship departed Gibraltar, but the police now suspect foul play and are conducting further excavations in a new line of inquiry.
Grimson, known for his brutal killings and sinister past, is expected to face the Parole Board next month. Margaret Parkes, however, is certain of his involvement in her son’s murder and remains apprehensive about his potential release. She is determined to keep her son’s memory alive and to seek justice for his untimely and tragic disappearance.
As the investigations continue and new details emerge, Margaret Parkes is determined to bring closure to this heartbreaking chapter in her life and hopes that the public release of Simon’s final letter will encourage others to come forward with crucial information that may help solve this devastating mystery.