LITTLE Joe McCafferty’s uncle admits he is consumed by hate and bitterness over his nephew’s unsolved murder.
Tony McCafferty, 48, brother of Joe’s mum Tracey, said: “I beat myself up every day.”
Car trader Tony, of Birkby, added: “They say time is a healer but I live with this 24/7. Every day is a reminder, not that I want to forget.”
Tony will join other relatives today to mark the 15th anniversary of Joe’s death and hopes more publicity will prick someone’s conscience.
“I am still angry and bitter and I am always looking for a reason.
“These anniversaries keep coming and I don’t know how Tracey can be so strong. This is just the worst time of year for us.”
A motive for the arson attack on his sister Debbie’s house in Haywood Avenue, Marsh, on May 3 1997, has never been found.
There was speculation that it may have been a grudge attack and Tony said: “I can’t believe it was random. You don’t start a fire like that for no reason.
“Even if we don’t like the answer, we need to know the truth.”
Tony believes that someone, somewhere knows the identity of the killer or killers and has begged them to come forward.
“I don’t know how they can live with themselves,” he said.
“This was a cowardly thing to do and that person must have told someone in confidence. It’s a big secret to keep to yourself.
“If they have a conscience they should hand themselves in. It’s not fair on the family.”
