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Postcards released in bid to find Bristol woman’s killer
Cold case detectives investigating the murder of Shelley Morgan have made a fresh appeal for information with the release of two postcards.
The 33-year-old was last seen alive near her Bedminster home 35 years ago on Monday, June 11 1984. Her remains were found four months later in Leigh Woods, but her murder remains unsolved.
Avon and Somerset Police believe the postcards, taken from a calendar sold by the local Bristol Hospice charity in the 1980s or 1990s, may have a “significant bearing” on the investigation.
is needed now More than ever
On Monday, June 11 1984, Shelley dropped her two children off at school, before heading towards Leigh Woods, where she planned to spend the day sketching and taking photographs.
When she failed to pick up her children or return to her home in Dunkerry Road, Bedminster, the police were called, and a missing person inquiry was launched.
Four months after her disappearance, Shelley’s remains were discovered by children playing near Long Lane in Backwell Hill on Sunday, October 14 1984.
A forensic post-mortem examination confirmed the 33-year-old mother had suffered multiple stab wounds. There was evidence that the brutal attack was sexually motivated.
“Both locations are significant as they are linked to the areas where Shelley was heading for on the day she disappeared, and where her body was found five months later” Photos from Avon and Somerset Police
One of the tear-off postcards depicts a scene looking over the River Avon from Bower Ashton, while the other is of St Andrew’s Church from the Backwell Hill direction.
A police spokesperson said both locations are significant as they are linked to the areas where Shelley was heading for on the day she disappeared, and where her body was found four months later.
Detective Sergeant Sarah Barnston said: “Shelley was passionately interested in art and the theatre and was attending art classes at the Bristol Polytechnic Art College.
“She left home that day intending to photograph and sketch in the Leigh Woods area, so it’s possible her work and the locations she was visiting that day hold the key to her killer’s identity.
“We remain of the belief that her killer must have had access to a vehicle and may have had links through work or other associations to Backwell and possibly the Leigh Woods or Clifton areas of Bristol.”
The police want to speak to anyone who owned the calendar.
In addition, officers wish to trace Shelley’s large patchwork bag. The bag contained her Olympus OM20 camera with the serial number 1032853, alongside a tripod and sketching materials.
Have you seen this camera? Do you own a camera matching this description and with the serial number 1032853? Photo from Avon and Somerset Police
Barnston continued: “This bag has never been found, nor has the clothing she was wearing, including red-framed glasses.
“Although there were numerous sightings of Shelley on the day she went missing, in both the Bristol and Backwell areas, none have been confirmed.
“Our latest re-investigation has identified new material of interest which may have forensic potential, utilising the latest scientific techniques. We’re keeping Shelley’s family updated on any progress. Her sister recently flew over from the USA to meet some of our team and we’re as committed as ever to solving Shelley’s murder and bringing the person or people responsible to justice.
“It’s impossible to imagine the pain and anguish Shelley’s family have felt over the years and understand the impact her murder has had on her two children, who’ve been left without a mother for the majority of their lives.
“I would urge anyone with information, no matter how small, to come forward. Loyalties and relationships change over time and there may be someone who didn’t feel able to speak to us at the time, but who may be in a position to do so now.”
On the 35th anniversary of Shelley’s murder, her sister Holle Brian wrote a statement about the devastating impact of her death on her friends and family. Written on behalf of Shelley, it describes her life up until the tragic day of her murder and the she moments missed, concluding: “It’s been 35 years of silence and the life I didn’t get to live.”
Holle also issued an appeal for anyone with information to come forward.
Anyone with information relevant to the investigation is asked to call the Major Crime Review Team on 101 or get in touch online: www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/contact-us/
Read more: ‘The unsolved murder of two Bristol children is still a tragedy 60 years on’
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