Officials in the U.K. made an arrest on Wednesday in a cold case opened nearly six decades ago, marking a historic first for the region’s police department.
Avon and Somerset Police charged 92-year-old Ryland Headley of Ipswich in the 1967 rape and killing of 75-year-old Louisa Dunne. Headley also made his first court appearance at Bristol Magistrates’ Court via video on Monday.
The police department said this is the first time in its history that an arrest has been made almost 60 years after the crime, Sky News reported. The department added that the killing of Dunne was also the oldest cold case they have on record.
The charges were leveled against Headley after officials began a forensics review of the case last year.
Avon and Somerset Police
Headley has yet to be asked to enter pleas, as he only spoke to confirm his name, date of birth and address while appearing in front of magistrates. He was ordered to remain in custody ahead of an appearance in Bristol Crown Court at 10 a.m. Thursday.
Detective Inspector Dave Marchant said the arrest was a “hugely significant” development in the investigation.
“Now criminal proceedings are underway it’s important to stress the defendant has the right to a fair trial. Any speculation or misinformation on the circumstances of this case has the potential to prejudice these ongoing proceedings,” Marchant added. “We’ve updated Louisa’s family about this charging decision and a specialist liaison officer will continue to support them in the coming days, weeks and months.”
How Was Louisa Dunne Killed?
A neighbor found Dunne dead inside her home on Britannia Road in the Easton area of Bristol on June 28, 1967, according to Avon and Somerset Police. She had been strangled and raped.
During Wednesday’s proceeding, District Judge Lynne Matthews said the rape and killing occurred between June 26 and June 29. Dunne’s cause of death was recorded as strangulation and asphyxiation. She was living alone at the time and had previously been married to Teddy Parker, a city alderman, and John Dunne, a night watchman, according to East Anglian Daily Times.
Marchant called the case “appalling and distressing.”
“We recognise this will also come as a shock to the community in Easton,” Marchant said, adding that the public may see increased police activity in the Ipswich area as a result of the arrest.
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