A 55-year-old man from Southampton has been taken into custody on suspicion of murder in connection with the shooting of jeweller Richard 'Ricky' Haywood nearly 37 years ago. The brutal killing took place on 16 October 1989, when Mr Haywood, then 36, was shot multiple times at his flat above Ambiance Jewellers in Shirley Road, Southampton. This significant development comes as detectives continue to investigate the cold case, which has left a lasting impact on the community and the Haywood family.
The investigation into Mr Haywood's murder began one of Hampshire's largest murder inquiries, involving extensive interviews with approximately 11,000 people and the collection of around 4,000 statements. The case also garnered national attention when it featured on BBC One's Crimewatch programme in 1989, highlighting the initial efforts to bring those responsible to justice.
For the Haywood family, particularly Mr Haywood's mother Phyllis, who tragically passed away without seeing a conviction for her son's murder, this arrest marks a long-awaited step towards closure. In 2004, she had offered a significant reward of £100,000 in exchange for information leading to a conviction, demonstrating the family's unwavering dedication to seeking justice.
Despite the passage of time, Hampshire police continue to appeal for information from the public, with the charity Crimestoppers offering a £20,000 reward for details provided exclusively to them that lead to a conviction. This incentive is available until 14 August 2026. A force spokesperson has reiterated the importance of any detail, no matter how minor it may seem, in potentially assisting the investigation.
The arrest offers renewed hope for Mr Haywood's family and the community in Southampton, who have long been affected by this unsolved case. Police urge anyone with knowledge of the incident to come forward, stressing that even seemingly insignificant details could prove crucial in bringing those responsible to justice.