**Family Fears for Missing Ricky Harris After Disturbing Letter Suggests Foul Play**
Nearly 20 months have passed since Ricky Harris, a resident of Aberdare, disappeared, leaving his family in turmoil and pleading for answers. Ricky, who was last spotted on CCTV near his Maes-Y-Deri flat in Aberaman at around 2.20pm on 18 November 2023, has not been seen or heard from since. The footage, recorded just after his aunt Nina Harris had dropped him off, offers the last known glimpse of the 33-year-old.
Nina Harris described Ricky as behaving normally on the day he vanished, but also observed he seemed uncharacteristically uneasy. She recalled, “He asked for a lift home that should’ve taken five minutes on foot, which was odd for him. Watching the CCTV, he just did not seem himself – there was a definite nervousness about him.”
The family’s alarm has grown after receiving a letter that hinted at a tragic fate for Ricky. The letter, which reportedly was not addressed to the family but was given to them by a third party, insinuates that Ricky was murdered and suggests a possible burial site. Nina explained, “Reading that letter made my heart sink. It’s terrifying seeing something like that written down. We passed it to the police, but almost a year on, it feels like nothing has been done about it. We’re still completely in the dark.”
Concerns have mounted regarding the police response. Nina claims the authorities have not pursued lines of inquiry suggested by the letter and have failed to access Ricky’s social media accounts, which she believes could hold crucial clues. “I’m always ringing for updates but get nowhere. I’m tired of arguing with the police. We’re expected to keep all options open, but with every passing day, it’s harder to stay hopeful. Ricky doesn’t just wander off – he’s always been a homebody,” Nina said, her frustration evident.
Health issues, including an episode of pneumonia just before Ricky went missing, add further weight to the family’s fears. Nina recalls, “He had a litre of fluid drained from his lungs and had just come out of hospital. The police initially suggested he may have collapsed somewhere, but I can’t believe after all this time he wouldn’t have been found.”
Adding to their distress, the family have been plagued by hoax calls and cruel social media messages from individuals purporting to have information about Ricky’s whereabouts. Nina said the psychological toll has been immense: “Sometimes I lie awake all night, unable to get it out of my head. Did he suffer? Was it quick? There’s someone out there who knows and they’re staying silent. We want closure – he deserves a funeral and a proper farewell.”
South Wales Police insist the investigation remains a priority and that all leads are being followed. Detective Inspector Owain Morris commented, “We are conducting a comprehensive investigation, deploying specialist teams and making full use of our resources, including divers, scent dogs, and aerial support. Our enquiry has expanded across South Wales and even into North Wales. Every viable lead and reported sighting has been rigorously examined, and search teams have scoured local rivers and wooded areas.”
Detective Inspector Morris continued: “Ricky’s family receive updates on all developments and we remain committed to finding answers. The case is very much ongoing.”
Nevertheless, Ricky’s disappearance has left a gaping hole in the lives of his loved ones, who are desperate for justice and closure. “He is dearly missed,” Nina concluded, her voice breaking. “He’s not just a name. He’s someone’s son, my nephew – and he should be found.”
The Harris family continue to urge anyone with information, however insignificant it might seem, to come forward and help bring Ricky home, underscoring the agony and uncertainty faced by those who live with the pain of a missing loved one.