The Woking murder investigation that is still ongoing 27 years later
It is one of Surrey Police’s largest scale murder investigations
Last updated 24th Mar 2021
Almost 27-years since the killing of a woman from Woking - the investigation into her murder continues.
Known as Operation Lilac the contract killing of 33 year old Karen Reed is one of Surrey Police’s largest scale murder investigations .
It was featured on an episode of Crimewatch Live today (24 March) and continues to remain a high priority for the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team.
The murder of Karen Reed
Karen Reed was shot five times after answering her door to a man disguised as a pizza delivery driver on Saturday, 30 April 1994.
She was at her home in Willow Way on The Barnsbury Estate in Woking following a day at work.
At around 9:15pm, there was a knock at the door by a man described as tall, dark-haired, wearing glasses and holding a blue and white pizza box.
The suspect asked her to confirm the address, which she did before she was shot at close range five times.
An ambulance was called but Karen sadly died at the scene.
Even after police pursued more than 3,000 lines of enquiry and gathering 1,700 statements the suspect has never been found.
The police's enquiries were spread across the country, including London, Essex and Hertfordshire.
Officers have always believed that this murder was a contract killing and a case of mistaken identity.
Before the murder
Two weeks before Karen was murdered, officers pursued a car acting suspiciously in the Woking area.
The driver of the red Vauxhall Cavalier abandoned the vehicle and ran off.
When officers inspected the car they found an automatic pistol fitted with a silencer as well as a marked map to The Barnsbury Estate in Woking.
They also found a large black-handled commando knife in a black leather sheath, a black Delsey Bag and a rare Olney blue tartan cap.
Operation Lilac in 2021
The charity Crimestoppers is now offering a ÂŁ10,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those linked to Karen's murder
Deputy Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Inspector Gareth Hicks said:
“People out there know who killed Karen Reed.
“Whether it’s the individual who pulled the trigger, or those who were assigned to arrange this contract killing, it’s time for them to come forward.
“Karen was an innocent young woman who was loved by those who knew her, worked hard and had no previous involvement in criminal activity.
“She worked in Addlestone as a geophysicist and was enjoying a glass of wine with a friend when she was brutally murdered.
“We strongly believe that this murder was a case of mistaken identity and a contract killing which went wrong.
“Those who are out there and know what happened, may feel more comfortable in coming forward with information due to certain loyalties and relationships breaking down over time. It’s time for these people to do the right thing and help us.”
If you have any information that could help this investigation contact Surrey Police's Operation Lilac team on 01483 639969.
You can upload directly via the Major Incident Public Portal.
You can contact Surrey Police online via their webchat service online or by calling 101.
If you want to remain anonymous call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.