Mary Dainton, 78, finally got closure after police identified her grandmother’s killer, Ryland Headley, 92. Advances in DNA led to the arrest and trial at Bristol crown court.
Dainton, who did not know her grandmother well due to a family rift, was shocked when police confirmed that the suspect was indeed Headley, a railway worker from Bristol. The murder occurred in 1967 when Dainton was just 20 years old.
Headley’s age and life story have sparked mixed emotions for Dainton. “I said something to the effect of, my goodness, how old is he? They said: 92,” she recalled. When asked about Headley’s personal life, police were unable to provide details due to his privacy.
The case has brought back painful memories for Dainton and her family. Her grandmother was married twice before being murdered, leaving her alone at the time of the crime. The lack of closure in the past has been frustrating for Dainton.
“I never believed they would be able to trace him,” she said. “But I’m glad detectives kept reviewing the case over the years.” Dainton hopes that solving this cold case will help bring justice to her grandmother and others who suffered similar trauma.
Dainton is now seeking to learn more about her grandmother’s life, given the limited information available before the arrest. She finds it puzzling why she feels connected to a woman she barely knew. The connection, however, has brought her a sense of purpose in learning more about her family history.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/jun/30/louisa-dunne-murder-conviction-granddaughter