Michael Steele Release: Essex Boys Killer Freed After 27 Years
Convicted Essex Boys Killer Michael Steele Released After 27 Years
Updated June 02, 2025
Michael Steele, one of two men convicted in the infamous Essex Boys murders, has been released from prison after serving 27 years. steele, now in his 80s, and Jack Whomes were found guilty in 1998 of the 1995 killings of Patrick Tate, 37, Tony Tucker, 38, and Craig Rolfe, 26.
The three victims were fatally shot at close range in Rettendon,Essex,in what prosecutors described as a dispute over a drug deal. the case, known as the Rettendon Murders or Range Rover Murders, inspired several films.
Steele and Whomes always maintained their innocence. Their convictions relied partly on testimony from Darren Nicholls, who claimed to be the getaway driver. Appeals were unsuccessful, and the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) declined to refer the case back to the Court of appeal in 2023.
The Parole Board approved Steele’s release in February,citing improved behavior and a determination that his continued imprisonment was needless for public safety. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood contested the decision, but the Ministry of Justice confirmed Steele’s release occurred in May.
An MoJ spokesperson stated, ”Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Craig Rolfe, tony Tucker and Pat Tate.This decision was made by the independent Parole Board after a thorough risk assessment.Michael Steele will be on licence for the rest of his life,with strict conditions and intensive probation supervision. He faces an immediate return to prison if he breaks the rules.”
Steele’s release conditions include residing at a specified address, surrendering his passport, wearing an electronic monitoring tag, and adhering to a curfew. he also faces restrictions on technology use,media contact,and owning firearms,aircraft,or boats. Whomes was released in 2021 and is also subject to strict license conditions.
What’s next
Steele will remain under strict supervision for the remainder of his life, subject to immediate re-imprisonment if he violates any of the imposed conditions. The families of the victims continue to grapple with the aftermath of the Essex Boys murders.