An 86-year-old man has been arrested in connection with one of Wales's most notorious unsolved crimes: the brutal double murder of a couple on their farm over three decades ago.
A Chilling Discovery on a Quiet Farm
Harry and Megan Tooze, both in their sixties, were found shot dead in a cowshed at their farmhouse, Ty Ar y Waun, in Llanharry, near Cardiff, on July 26, 1993. The grim discovery was made only after the couple failed to answer a routine telephone call from their concerned daughter, prompting a police welfare check.
Officers arrived at the rural property to find the couple's bodies hidden inside an outbuilding. They had both sustained gunshot wounds to the head and had been wrapped in carpets. The scene pointed to a calculated and violent end for the pensioners.
Neighbours Heard Shots But Thought Nothing of It
In a tragic twist, neighbours later reported hearing two gunshots around 1.30pm on the day of the murders. However, on an active working farm, such noises were not considered unusual, and no alarm was raised at the time.
The couple had been seen earlier that day when they left their home to collect their pensions in the village. Their failure to return or answer calls later became the crucial clue that something was terribly wrong.
Forensic Review Leads to Historic Arrest
The case has remained open for 32 years, haunting the local community and the victims' family. South Wales Police initiated a fresh forensic review of the evidence in 2023, applying modern investigative techniques to the historic case.
This renewed effort has now yielded a significant development. A man, aged 86, was arrested earlier today and is currently in police custody for questioning regarding the murders.
Detective Superintendent Mark Lewis of South Wales Police stated: "While this arrest is clearly a significant development in the investigation, our inquiries are very much ongoing." He emphasised the lasting impact of the case, adding: "This case has affected many people over the years and our aim is to find the answers to the unanswered questions which remain about their deaths over 30 years on."
Appeal for Information Continues
Despite the passage of time, detectives are continuing to appeal to the public for information. Detective Superintendent Lewis made a direct plea: "Even with this passage of time, I appeal to anyone who has any information about the murders to come forward and speak to police."
The arrest marks a pivotal moment in a cold case that was previously reviewed in 2000 without a breakthrough. Authorities hope this new line of inquiry will finally deliver justice for Harry and Megan Tooze and provide long-awaited closure for their loved ones.
