New call to find Shelley Morgan’s killer 40 years later

Police have launched a new appeal to bring the killer of a mother-of-two to justice, 40 years after she was murdered.

Shelley Morgan, 33, was last seen alive dropping her children off at school in Bristol on June 11, 1984.

Her remains were found in the woods four months later, but the murder remains unsolved.

“Forty years may have passed, but our resolve has not wavered,” said Det Insp. Dave Marchant.

“We will never give up in our efforts to identify the person responsible for killing Shelley and depriving her two young children of their mother.”

Detectives said Ms Morgan, originally from the US, had planned to spend the day drawing and taking photos at Leigh Woods, near Ashton Court in Bristol, on the day she was last seen .

When she failed to collect her children or return home to Dunkerry Road in Bedminster, police were called.

Ms Morgan’s remains were found by children playing in woodland near Long Lane in Backwell Hill on October 14.

Police said she suffered multiple stab wounds and there was evidence the “brutal” attack was sexually motivated.

Despite the passage of time, Detective Inspector Marchant said Avon and Somerset Police were determined to solve his murder.

“We remain committed to providing answers to his family and, if his killer is still alive, to bringing them to justice.

“We know that after dropping her children off at school on June 11, 1984, Shelley headed to Leigh Woods where she planned to take photos and draw.

“While we cannot say with certainty that she arrived at Leigh Woods, we have unconfirmed sightings of her on a bus traveling to the area and near Ashton Court.

“We know that Shelley wore a scarlet top, white skirt and brown tights as well as large red circular glasses.

“And we know she had a homemade patchwork bag and her Olympus OM20 35mm camera with her.

“Neither his clothes nor his camera have ever been found, but we remain hopeful that someone may come across the camera as it is still popular with collectors.

“If you own an Olympus OM20 camera from the 1980s with serial number 1032853, please contact us. »

Five years ago, Hollie Brian, Mrs Morgan’s sister, said: “Shelley’s death had a profound effect on our family and her loss has been felt ever since.

“I have come to believe that people are not truly dead until those who love and remember them are dead too.

“As long as we carry Shelley in our hearts, she will always be with us, but we are all getting older and the time will come when all these doors will be closed.

“We are begging you, if you know anything about what happened that day in June 1984, please come forward to the police.

“Perhaps you were afraid to speak at the time? Maybe your situation has changed?

“Out of love and respect for my sister, we really want to know what happened and make sure that the person who killed her will never hurt anyone again.”

Detective Inspector Marchant said: “Five years ago we released images of two postcards depicting the River Avon in Bristol and St Andrew’s Church, looking towards Backwell Hill.

“Several members of the public contacted us in response to this appeal and officers were subsequently able to rule out any significance of the postcards to the investigation.

“We believe the locations Shelley visited that day hold the key to the identity of her killer.

“It is highly likely that his killer knew the Leigh Woods and Backwell areas and may have had connections through his work or other associations.

“If you have any information, no matter how small or irrelevant you think, please come forward.

“You might have the missing piece that will help us finish this case.”