£20,000 reward extended in Southampton murder investigation
Richard ‘Ricky’ Haywood was shot in 1989
Last updated 11th Apr 2025
A £20,000 reward for information in relation to the 1989 murder of Richard ‘Ricky’ Haywood in Southampton has been extended for a further three months.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary’s Western Major Crime team re-opened the investigation into Ricky’s death last year. He was 36-years-old when he was fatally shot in his flat above Ambiance Jewellers on Shirley Road on Monday 16 October 1989.
Despite a lengthy and complex investigation at the time, no one has been charged with his murder.
Officers re-appealed to the public for information in October 2024. More than 80 people having been spoken to and new lines of enquiry are being followed up on.
The deadline for a £20,000 reward for information provided by the charity Crimestoppers, which is completely independent of the police, has now been extended and will expire on June 25th.
The reward is on offer to anyone who can provide information exclusively to Crimestoppers that leads to the arrest, charge and conviction of anyone responsible for Ricky’s murder.
Senior Investigating Officer Elizabeth Brunt, who is leading the investigation, said: “I have been extremely impressed with the response we have had from the public since we re-appealed for information in relation to this case back in October.
“The information that people have provided to us have given us new lines of enquiry which we continue to look into. Those that we have spoken to throughout the course of our investigation have been very helpful, however we still need more people to come forward and break their silence. Ricky’s family still need answers and we will not stop working to secure justice for them.
“I still believe that someone knows why Ricky was killed and who was responsible. Whatever your allegiances, you would be doing the right thing by telling us what you know.”
Beth Simpson, Regional Manager at the charity Crimestoppers, said: “If you have information about those involved in Mr Haywood’s murder and have remained silent, please consider speaking up now.
“We’re extending our reward of up to £20,000 for information that leads to the conviction of the person or people responsible. You can tell us what you know and be confident that no one will ever find out that you spoke up – you will remain 100% anonymous at all times.”
You can provide information anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or by visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.
Only information submitted via Crimestoppers is eligible for the £20,000 reward the charity is offering. This reward offer will expire on June 25th 2025.