how old was holly and jessica

Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman Ages Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman, the two young best friends from Soham, England, were both 10 years old at the time of their tragic disappearance and murders on August 4, 2002.

Case Background

These inseparable classmates had known each other since age 4, growing up just streets apart in the quiet town of Soham, Cambridgeshire.

On that summer day, after attending a family barbecue at Holly's home, they left around 6:15 p.m. to buy candy from a nearby vending machine, wearing matching red Manchester United shirts captured in a heartbreaking final photo.

They never returned, sparking one of the UK's most infamous child murder cases, with school caretaker Ian Huntley later convicted.

Their Personalities and Lives

• Holly Wells : The quieter, more girly one—blonde, fair-skinned, enjoyed makeup, hair-styling, and computer games; only daughter with a 12-year-old brother.

• Jessica Chapman : Tomboyish and sporty—loved football (played for Soham Town Rangers Under-11s), swimming, and idolized David Beckham; youngest of three sisters.

Friends noted their sister-like bond, with Jessica even gifting Holly a necklace from a family holiday shortly before. Both were cautious around strangers, making the events even more shocking.

Recent Updates

As of March 2026, Soham murderer Ian Huntley has died in hospital following a prison attack at HMP Frankland, where he was serving a life sentence.

The victims' families continue facing challenges like marriage strains and financial woes, yet have welcomed grandchildren amid ongoing grief.

"Grinning shyly into the camera, Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman are the picture of childish sweetness and innocence."

TL;DR : Holly and Jessica were both 10 years old in 2002 when they were murdered in Soham.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.