Hampshire police have made a first arrest in the 37-year-old unsolved murder of gold dealer Richard 'Ricky' Haywood. A 55-year-old man from Southampton was taken into custody on suspicion of murder, the force announced Tuesday.
Haywood, 36, was found shot multiple times in the bathtub of his Southampton flat on October 16, 1989. Detectives at the time believed it to be a professional hit, and the case remained unsolved for decades.
The investigation was reopened in 2024, aided by advances in forensic science. Detectives are particularly interested in an anonymous tip received by Crimestoppers in 2004, which initially seemed insignificant but has gained importance with new information.
"Detectives have made an arrest in connection with the 1989 murder of Ricky Haywood," Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary stated. "Today, Tuesday, July 14, a 55-year-old man from Southampton was arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody."
The arrest marks the most significant development in the case since Haywood's death. His mother, Phyllis Haywood, had previously expressed her determination to see her son's killer brought to justice, stating at a 1993 inquest, "I won't rest until my son's murderer is found." She died before an arrest was made.
At the time of his death, Haywood was described as a dealer with connections in the criminal underworld. Weeks before his killing, he reportedly took out a £1 million life insurance policy and became increasingly concerned with private security. An inquest heard that he had been shot at close range by a handgun.
Investigators interviewed approximately 11,000 people during the original inquiry. Last year, as part of "Operation Tango," Hampshire police identified 200 individuals to contact, including those linked to the initial investigation and new persons of interest. Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to £20,000 for information leading to a conviction, with the offer expiring on August 14.
Police continue to appeal for anyone with information, urging them to contact them or Crimestoppers. "As our investigation continues we are still appealing for anyone with information to come forward," the constabulary said. "No matter how small or insignificant it may seem, your information could be vital."