Ryland Headley is a 92-year-old man from Ipswich, Suffolk, who was convicted in July 2025 for the rape and murder of 75-year-old Louisa Dunne in 1967. This case is considered one of the UK’s oldest solved cold cases.
In June 1967, Louisa Dunne was found dead in her home on Britannia Road in Easton, Bristol. She had been raped and strangled. Despite extensive investigations, the case remained unsolved for nearly six decades. In 2023, Avon and Somerset Police reopened the case and submitted items from the original investigation for DNA testing. DNA recovered from Dunne’s clothing matched Headley’s DNA, which had been added to the national database following an unrelated arrest in 2012. Additionally, a palm print found at the crime scene was later identified as Headley’s. In November 2024, Headley was arrested and charged with the offenses.
During his trial at Bristol Crown Court, Headley denied the charges. However, the jury found him guilty of both rape and murder. On July 1, 2025, he was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 20 years. Judge Derek Sweeting stated that Headley would “never be released” and would “die in prison”.
Early Life and Background
Birth and Immigration
Ryland Headley was born in September 1932 in the West Indies. He emigrated to the United Kingdom in 1952 aboard the ship Reina del Mar, arriving in Plymouth on July 6 of that year. Settling in Bristol, he eventually moved to Ipswich, where he would later commit further crimes.
Family and Personal Life
In the late 1950s, Headley married and had three children. The family lived in various locations, including Montpelier in Bristol and later in Ipswich. Despite his criminal activities, Headley maintained a semblance of normalcy in his personal life, with neighbors describing him as a kind and respectful individual, unaware of his dark past.
Career and Criminal Activities
Employment
Headley worked as a railway machinist, a profession he held while residing in both Bristol and Ipswich. His employment history was largely unremarkable, and he maintained a low profile in the community.
Criminal History
In 1977, Headley was convicted of raping two elderly women in Ipswich. He broke into their homes and subjected them to violent assaults. Initially sentenced to life imprisonment, his sentence was later reduced to seven years on appeal, and he served approximately two years before being released. This pattern of targeting vulnerable elderly women would later be pivotal in linking him to the 1967 murder of Louisa Dunne.
The 1967 Murder of Louisa Dunne
The Crime
On June 28, 1967, 75-year-old Louisa Dunne was found dead in her home on Britannia Road in Easton, Bristol. She had been raped and strangled. Despite extensive investigations, the case remained unsolved for nearly six decades.
Investigation and Breakthrough
In 2023, Avon and Somerset Police reopened the case and submitted items from the original investigation for DNA testing. DNA recovered from Dunne’s clothing matched Headley’s DNA, which had been added to the national database following an unrelated arrest in 2012. Additionally, a palm print found at the crime scene was later identified as Headley’s.
Arrest and Trial
In November 2024, Headley was arrested and charged with the offenses. During his trial at Bristol Crown Court, Headley denied the charges. However, the jury found him guilty of both rape and murder. On July 1, 2025, he was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 20 years. Judge Derek Sweeting stated that Headley would “never be released” and would “die in prison.”
Sentence and Aftermath
Following his conviction, Headley was incarcerated at a high-security facility. His case prompted a review of other unsolved crimes, particularly those involving elderly victims, to determine if he was linked to additional offenses. Authorities are working with other police forces and the National Crime Agency to investigate potential connections.
Personal Life and Legacy
Family Impact
The conviction brought long-awaited justice to the family of Louisa Dunne. Her granddaughter, Mary Dainton, who provided a victim impact statement during the trial, expressed the profound effect her grandmother’s death had on their family. The case highlighted the advancements in forensic science and the persistence of law enforcement in seeking justice, regardless of the time elapsed.
Public Perception
Headley’s case has been widely covered in the media, with many expressing shock at the length of time it took to bring him to justice. The use of modern forensic techniques, such as DNA analysis, played a crucial role in solving the case. His conviction serves as a reminder of the importance of continued advancements in forensic science and the commitment of law enforcement to solving cold cases.
Conclusion
Ryland Headley’s life and crimes serve as a stark reminder of the potential for justice to be delayed but not denied. His conviction for the 1967 rape and murder of Louisa Dunne, after nearly six decades, underscores the importance of perseverance in the pursuit of justice. While Headley may have evaded justice for many years, the resolution of this case provides a sense of closure to the victim’s family and highlights the advancements in forensic science that can bring long-awaited justice.
FAQs
Who is Ryland Headley?
Ryland Headley is a 92-year-old man from Ipswich, England, convicted in 2025 for the 1967 rape and murder of Louisa Dunne in Bristol.
How was Headley linked to the 1967 murder?
DNA recovered from Louisa Dunne’s clothing matched Headley’s DNA, which had been added to the national database following an unrelated arrest in 2012.
What was Headley’s sentence?
Headley was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 20 years.
Has Headley committed other crimes?
Yes, in 1977, Headley was convicted of raping two elderly women in Ipswich.
Was Headley ever married?
Yes, Headley married in the late 1950s and had three children.
Where did Headley live after the 1967 murder?
After the murder, Headley moved from Bristol to Ipswich.
What was Louisa Dunne’s background?
Louisa Dunne was a 75-year-old widow and mother of two who had been active in the local Labour Party.
How did the police solve the cold case?
The case was reopened in 2023, and forensic testing of evidence led to a DNA match with Headley.
