Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that the forensic review into the 1976 deaths of Martha and Griff Thomas at a Pembrokeshire farmhouse is nearly complete, with findings now being passed to the coroner.
Review nearing completion
The review, known as Operation Hallam, was launched in 2022 to re-examine the case using modern techniques. Police have confirmed that a significant amount of complex work has been undertaken, and the family has been updated on progress.
The siblings were found dead at their farmhouse, Ffynnon Samson, near Llangolman in December 1976. Nineteen-year-old postman Nigel Rossiter discovered the badly-burnt body of 73-year-old Griff Thomas in the kitchen and called police. Officers then found Martha's body in another room with severe head injuries.
Original investigation
Martha, 70, known as Patti, had apparently been battered to death. Detectives concluded that Griff had likely killed his sister in a row over money. In January 1977, Detective Chief Superintendent Pat Molloy said Griff had "probably" killed his sister, perhaps with a kitchen chair, and then started a fire and died in it.
However, the siblings' family and some in the community have questioned this, believing the pair were killed by a third party. Griff and Martha had lived together all their lives and were comfortably well off. They were active members of Rhydwilym Chapel and had lived at the farm with their father until his death in 1967.
New evidence and findings
As part of the review, police conducted detailed searches at police stations in Pembrokeshire, the scientific support unit archive at Police Headquarters in Carmarthen, The National Archive of Wales in Aberystwyth, and the Forensic Science Service Archive in Birmingham. They retrieved handwritten diaries kept by Martha Thomas, original investigation documentation, fingerprint lifts, photographs of fingerprint marks, post mortem moulds of hands, and a tapestry.
Three phases of forensic investigation have been carried out: fingerprint enhancement and analysis, DNA enquiries, and consideration of blood grouping work from the original investigation. The family has been updated on the findings and the limitations faced in reviewing a tragedy from 50 years ago.
Police said: "We are now at a stage where communication has begun with HM Coroner to keep them informed of the latest position, and to seek advice and guidance on how we proceed. We will continue to keep the family of Griff and Martha updated on the review, along with any recommendations from HM Coroner."
