South Wales Police have made a significant arrest in one of Wales' most notorious unsolved murder cases, more than three decades after the crime was committed.
A Pivotal Arrest After 32 Years
This week, detectives arrested an 86-year-old man on suspicion of murder in connection with the deaths of Harry and Megan Tooze. The couple were found shot dead at their Ty Ar y Waun farmhouse in the village of Llanharry, Wales, on 26 July 1993. The suspect was taken into custody on Wednesday before being released on police bail pending further enquiries.
Detective Superintendent Mark Lewis, the senior investigating officer, stated: "While this arrest is clearly a significant development in the investigation our enquiries are very much ongoing." He emphasised that the case has affected many people over the years and that the force's aim remains to find answers to the unanswered questions surrounding the couple's deaths.
A Tragic Discovery and a Flawed Prosecution
The bodies of 64-year-old Harry Tooze and his 67-year-old wife Megan were discovered in a shed on their property. They had been hidden under a carpet and buried beneath hay. Both victims had been shot at close range from behind.
The initial investigation led to the wrongful conviction of their daughter Cheryl's boyfriend, Jonathan Jones. In 1995, then aged 35, he was convicted largely on the basis of his fingerprints found on a teacup at the scene. His conviction was quashed a year later after questions emerged about alternative explanations for the fingerprints. Cheryl stood by him, and the pair later married and had a child.
Ongoing Quest for Justice
The case has been subject to criticism from the family over the years for a perceived lack of police resources dedicated to finding the killer. The recent arrest follows a forensic review of the case launched by South Wales Police in 2023.
Detective Superintendent Lewis has made a direct appeal for information: "Even with this passage of time I appeal to anyone who has any information about the murders to come forward and speak to police." Anyone with information is asked to contact South Wales Police quoting occurrence number 2300016841, or to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
