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.

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.”