In a cold case that has remained unsolved for nearly six decades, Avon and Somerset Police have charged a 92-year-old man with the rape and murder of 75-year-old Louisa Dunne. The tragic incident took place in Bristol in 1967, marking one of the oldest cases in the region to lead to a recent arrest and charge.
The body of Louisa Dunne was discovered in June 1967 inside her home in the Easton area of Bristol.
A concerned neighbor found the elderly woman after she failed to respond to routine visits. Following an investigation at the time, it was determined that Ms. Dunne had been strangled, with asphyxiation confirmed as the cause of death. Her murder shocked the local community and left investigators pursuing leads for decades.
Ryland Headley, now 92 years old, was charged with murder and rape by detectives overnight. He is set to make his first court appearance via video link at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday. The arrest and subsequent charges mark a pivotal moment in a case that had gone cold for over 56 years.
Detective Inspector Dave Marchant, who has been overseeing the investigation, described the recent breakthrough as a “hugely significant moment.”
“This development marks a hugely significant moment in this investigation,” said DI Marchant. “Now that criminal proceedings are under way, it’s important to stress that the defendant has the right to a fair trial. Any speculation or misinformation about the circumstances of this case could potentially jeopardize these ongoing proceedings.”
DI Marchant confirmed that Ms. Dunne’s family has been informed about the charges and is being provided with support through a dedicated liaison officer. “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,” he added.
Authorities have not disclosed the specifics of what led to Headley’s arrest after such a long time.
