Police re-open investigation into 1989 Southampton murder

Ricky Haywood was shot multiple times in his flat 35 years ago

Author: Ben Mitchell, PAPublished 8th Oct 2024

Detectives have reopened the investigation into the 1989 murder of a man who was shot multiple times in his flat in Hampshire 35 years ago, following advances in forensic science.

Richard Haywood, commonly known as Ricky, was killed in an attack at his home above Ambiance Jewellers in Shirley Road, Southampton, on October 16th, 1989.

No-one has ever been charged with the 36-year-old's murder.

Now the charity Crimestoppers is offering a reward of £20,000 for information, that can be given anonymously, which leads to an arrest and conviction.

A Hampshire Constabulary spokesman said:

"The advancements in forensic science over the past 35 years will now allow the investigation to pursue this as one of the main lines of inquiry."

Detective Inspector Elizabeth Brunt, who is now leading the investigation, said:

"As we review the evidence available to us, I would like to appeal to anyone out there that may hold information about what happened to come forward and speak to us.

"I believe someone knows why Ricky was killed and who was responsible. Whatever your allegiances, you would be doing the right thing by telling us what you know.

"I would urge those people to think about Ricky's family, who have waited more than 35 years to find out why someone killed him.

"While Ricky's mother died broken-hearted, the rest of his family are desperate to know the truth.

"We need to give his family the answers they rightly deserve, to get justice for them and for Ricky.

"Your help is needed and now is the time to communicate what you know, either directly, anonymously or through a third party - doing nothing is no longer an option."

Ricky Haywood was shot and killed in his flat above this Southampton jewellers' shop in 1989

In a statement issued through police, Mr Haywood's sister said: "We cannot express enough the huge impact Ricky's death has had on us.

"The pain never goes away. My mum never had peace and it slowly ate away at her. She went to her grave never knowing who committed this awful crime.

"I, as Ricky's sister, have to live with the pain of his murder and knowing how my mum suffered too.

"We pray this new appeal will urge someone to come forward and hopefully after all these years find justice and closure."

Beth Simpson, regional manager for Crimestoppers, said:

"Ricky's heartbroken family still don't have answers or justice. Our charity is offering a reward of up to £20,000 for information given exclusively to us that leads to the arrest, charge and conviction of anybody responsible for his murder.

"If you have information, however small, please speak up and tell Crimestoppers 100% anonymously. If you prefer not to talk to the police, you can tell us what you know, and we'll pass it on for you, it is not too late.

"We are independent of the police and won't ask for any personal details, there'll be no police contact or witness statements, and you won't have to go to court. Nobody will know you contacted us."

Anyone with any information can contact police on 101 quoting Operation Tango/44080416574 or report it online.

They can also provide your information 100% anonymously, by calling the charity Crimestoppers at any time on 0800 555 111 or by visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.

Only information submitted via Crimestoppers is eligible for the £20,000 reward they are offering.

The reward offer will expire on December 31st, 2024.

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