Detectives relaunch appeal to trace ‘contract killer’ in murder of Carol Morgan
Cold-case detectives have relaunched an appeal to find the “contract killer” who bludgeoned a woman to death more than 40 years ago after being hired by her husband.
Allen Morgan, 74, was jailed for life with a minimum term of 22 years earlier this year after being found guilty of plotting to murder Carol Morgan to start a new life with his lover.
The mother-of-two, 36, was repeatedly hit with a heavy, sharp object and left in the storeroom of the convenience store they both ran in Linslade, Bedfordshire, on 13 August 1981.
Morgan’s trial heard he had been having an affair with his current wife Margaret Morgan, 75, but felt he could not divorce Carol because of financial issues. Margaret was acquitted of a charge of conspiracy to murder.
Over the nine-week Luton Crown Court case, it was revealed that the killer had stolen cash from a secret drawer in the shop’s office, suggesting they had been given inside knowledge and the money was part of the payment for the murder.
Allen Morgan was found guilty of murder plot. Pic: PA/Bedfordshire Police
Detectives have relaunched an appeal to find the killer, who has never been found, on Crimewatch Live.
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Bedfordshire Police Detective Inspector Richard Stott said: “Although we refer to a ‘contract killer’ employed by Allen, Carol’s death was far from professional – it was a gruesome and frenzied attack.
“This killer, if still alive, could be living anywhere, and may have talked about details in their life which potentially are suspicious.”
Detectives are still interested in finding a man seen leaving the store around the time of the attack after an e-fit was issued as part of the original investigation, but are looking more broadly.
“No murder case is ever left undetected, and we will pursue any leads – no matter how seemingly small – to ensure that Carol’s killer is apprehended,” said DI Stott.
“Did you know Carol around the time of her death, or have any involvement with Allen either back then or since?
“We would also like to hear from people who frequented the numerous pubs around Linslade and Leighton Buzzard in the early 80s, including The Dolphin, The Ship, The Waggon and Horses and The Clay Pipe.”
The King has met survivors of last month’s Huntingdon train mass stabbing, during a special reception at Buckingham Palace.
He shook hands with train guard Samir Zitouni, who was seriously injured as he stepped in to protect passengers.
More than 10 people were hurt in the stabbing on the 6.25pm LNER service from Doncaster to London King’s Cross on 1 November, which diverted to Huntingdon.
The King greets the train’s driver, Andrew Johnson. Pic: PA
The monarch also met Andrew Johnson, who previously served in the Royal Navy, and was driving the service at the time of the attack.
He was praised by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer for his quick thinking when he moved the train on to a slow line.
That decision allowed it to stop at Huntingdon station, leading to a quicker response time by emergency services and potentially saving lives.
Mr Zitouni was credited with saving multiple lives, but was left in a critical condition due to injuries he suffered in the attack.
Stephen Crean, a football fan who had been returning home after watching Nottingham Forest’s 2-2 draw with Manchester United, was also injured while fighting back to protect others during the incident.
Mr Crean said he would need plastic surgery following his injuries.
The monarch greets Stephen Crean and his wife Monludee Crean during the reception. Pic: PA
Amira Ostalski, a student who suddenly found herself in danger, said she ran into the buffet car where she picked up a metal tray to protect herself and her friend.
“I was honestly so petrified. I thought in that moment it was the last time I was ever going to be alive. I thought I was going to die,” she said.
Anthony Williams was charged with 10 counts of attempted murder, one count of actual bodily harm and one count of possession of a bladed article following the train attack.
He remains in custody pending further court hearings scheduled for next year.
A nine-year-old girl found dead in Weston-super-Mare has been named on the day police revealed a teenager had been charged with her murder.
Emergency services were called to Lime Close in the Somerset town at 6.09pm on Monday but Aria Thorpe was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police said a 15-year-old boy had been charged with her murder and that a preliminary post-mortem found she died from a single stab wound.
The teenage boy – who can’t be named due to his age – will appear at Bristol Magistrates’ Court later today.
A police cordon remains in place as forensics officers continue their work.
Flowers and tributes have been left at the scene. Pic: PA
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Superintendent Jen Appleford, from Avon and Somerset Police, said the community was in shock and Aria’s family were being supported by police.
“It is impossible to adequately describe how traumatic the past 36 hours have been for them and we’d like to reiterate in the strongest possible terms their request for privacy,” she said.
Supt Appleford said police were working with local schools and other agencies to make sure support is available.
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