Timeline

Terrible Timeline

17 December 2010At 8pm 25-year-old landscape architect Joanna Yeates, leaves the Bristol Ram pub in Park Street, Bristol and walks the 20 minutes to her home in Canynge Road.19 DecemberBoyfriend Greg Reardon returns home from a weekend away. He discovers Joanna is missing and calls the police.21 DecemberPolice search the area around Avon Gorge. Joanna’s parents make an emotional appeal for her safe return.23 DecemberPolice believe a missing pizza may hold a vital clue to her disappearance.25 DecemberAt 9am a local couple walking their dog discover a woman’s body lying in a roadside verge off Longwood Lane, Failand.26 DecemberPolice believe the woman to be Joanna Yeates. However due to her frozen body the post-mortem examination will take longer to complete.27 DecemberJoanna Yeates’ family visit the location where her body was found.28 DecemberPolice reveal that Joanna Yeates was strangled. A murder investigation is launched called Operation Braid.30 DecemberPolice arrest Chris Jefferies at his flat on suspicion of murdering Joanna Yeates. His silver Chrysler car is removed by police from the road outside the property.31 DecemberDetectives are granted more time to question Mr Jefferies.1 January 2011Joanna Yeates' family and her boyfriend issue a statement paying tribute to their “beautiful and talented daughter”, who was “stolen from us”. They remain convinced that the police will catch her killer.4 JanuaryPolice launch a Facebook campaign to find Joanna Yeates' killer.5 JanuaryDetectives issue a statement revealing that Joanna Yeates’ body was missing one grey ski sock when her body was discovered.18 JanuaryThe final steps of Joanna Yeates are reconstructed for the BBC's Crimewatch programme.20 JanuaryA 32-year-old man is arrested on suspicion of murder.21 JanuaryPolice are granted extra time to question the 32-year-old man.22 JanuaryPolice charge 32-year-old Dutch national Vincent Tabak with Joanna Yeates' murder.28 JanuaryJoanna Yeates’ body is released to her family.31 JanuaryTabak appears at Bristol Crown Court via a video link from HMP Long Lartin in Worcestershire. He is remanded in custody until 4 May.11 FebruaryThe funeral of Joanna Yeates takes place in St Mark's Church, Ampfield, Hampshire.4 MarchMr Jefferies is released from police bail without charge.5 MayAt the Old Bailey Tabak admits the manslaughter of Joanna Yeates but denies murder.4 OctoberThe trial of Vincent Tabak gets underway.28 OctoberTabak is finally convicted of murder. He is sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 20 years.