On December 6, 1995, the quiet village of Rettendon, Essex, becomes the backdrop for a chilling crime. Three notorious drug dealers, Anthony Tucker, Patrick Tate, and Craig Rolfe, are found shot dead in their Range Rover, a discovery that sends shockwaves through the community. The scene is eerily silent, with the metallic blue vehicle standing as a grim monument to their violent end.
The investigation, known as Operation Century, initially yields no arrests, leaving the case shrouded in mystery. However, persistent police work and testimonies eventually lead to the conviction of Jack Whomes and Michael Steele in 1998. The case gains notoriety not just for the brutality of the crime but also for the controversial reliance on an informant and phone records.
Years later, Whomes is released on parole in 2021 after exemplary conduct, while Steele follows in 2025. Despite their release, questions linger about the integrity of their convictions, prompting a review by the Criminal Cases Review Commission. The case continues to captivate the public, inspiring numerous films and documentaries exploring the dark underbelly of Essex.
