A MAN has been charged with the rape and murder of a woman found strangled to death at her home 57 years ago.
Louisa Dunne was discovered in Easton, Bristol, by a neighbour on June 28, 1967.
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The 75-year-old had been raped, with her cause of death given as strangulation and asphyxiation.
Ryland Headley, 92, has now been charged with rape and murder.
He is due to appear at Bristol Magistrates’ Court via video link this morning.
DI Dave Marchant said: “This development marks a hugely significant moment in this 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.
“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.”
The force had re-examined the case in 2023 and reviewed further forensic evidence before making an arrest.
The horror unfolded in 1967 when Louisa’s neighbour noticed a window slightly open at the home she lived in alone.
When they went to investigate, they discovered the pensioner had been raped and strangled in the living room.
A huge investigation was launched as officers tried to piece together Louisa’s final movements.
They discovered she had gone to see her friend Alice at her nearby home earlier that evening.
The pair shared dessert together before twice-widowed Louise headed back home at around 7.30pm.
She was last seen standing on her doorstep at 10.30pm, which locals said was unusual for the OAP.
Officers believed the killer had broken in between 11.30pm and 4am, but said there was no sign of a struggle at her home.
Police found a palm print left near the open window but the horrific case eventually went cold.
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