Template:21 December

21st December 1970: The 1968 murder of Steve Tanner is finally solved as the police surround No.5 Coronation Street, where army deserter Joe Donelli is holding Minnie Caldwell hostage. Joe had confessed to Irma Barlow that he pushed Steve down the stairs, but he had not expected to be caught as he returned to Weatherfield. Despite holding no malice towards Minnie, he realises he isn't going to get past the police and is becoming desperate as thinks of his next move. Minnie's neighbour Stan Ogden enters the house, not realising Joe has a gun, and persuades Joe to release Minnie. Having decided how he will solve his crisis, Joe forces Stan to sing Christmas songs with him and then turns his gun on himself and fires.
 * For more information see Episode 1036 (21st December 1970).