Amy Dowden, the Strictly Come Dancing star, has uncovered a tragic family secret while filming for BBC's Who Do You Think You Are? The Welsh dancer was left in tears after learning about a 13-year-old ancestor who was shot dead in 1888.
During the programme, Amy investigates a rumour of a murder on her mother's side of the family. She travels to west Wales and meets her distant cousin Wyn, who shows her a family Bible. Inside, she finds the name Elinor Jenkins, with a note stating she was shot dead by 'the cruel man Offley Owen' in November 1888, when she was just a teenager.
Historian Dr Angela Muir confirms that Elinor was actually 13 years old and worked as a servant at a farm in Berthlwyd. The killer, 17-year-old Offley Owen, was also a servant. Newspaper reports reveal that Owen had taken up a gun 'with a purpose of showing her', but claimed he was unaware it was loaded. He shot Elinor in the mouth, killing her instantly.
Amy struggles to believe the death was an accident, saying: 'He obviously had intention to use that gun. To me, this was planned.' However, the coroner's inquest led to Owen being charged with manslaughter. At trial, he pleaded not guilty, and the prosecution called no witnesses. Owen was discharged, a common outcome at the time for first-time offenders.
'Some part of me is not satisfied with this,' Amy says, reflecting on the lack of justice for her ancestor's family. She visits the church in Blaenpennal where Elinor was laid to rest, seeking comfort after the distressing discovery.
