A cold case cracked after 40 years. Woman’s overheard pub conversation leads to husband’s conviction in wife’s murder.
Police reopened the cold case in 2018. Over 80 investigators worked on it for six years straight. They found enough evidence to convict Allen, who is now 74 years old. He received a life sentence and must serve at least 22 years.
A detective found Carol’s file, knowing the case could be solved. Allen’s timeline had inconsistencies, and detectives needed contradictions about his story.
DC Denise Brown led the interview strategy, focusing on Allen and his new wife, Margaret Morgan. They had an affair before Carol died, and Margaret moved in with Allen two weeks after.
Police revisited homes from the original probe, hoping for a breakthrough. Their persistence paid off at one address when a woman said her daughter waited 40 years and wanted to speak with the police.
Jane Bunting held a crucial secret. Fear stopped her from speaking earlier, as she lived in a tight community as a teen. Months before the murder, she overheard Allen speaking with her ex-boyfriend in a pub.
Allen asked about finding a murderer, stating he hated Carol. He wished Carol would die and mentioned an accident would be nice.
The Morgans had a lot of debt. Carol’s will left everything to Allen. The shop also carried a life insurance policy.
Jane’s testimony was vital to the case, completing a missing piece of the puzzle and helping prove Allen’s guilt.
A trial took place at Luton Crown Court. Allen was found guilty of conspiring to murder, while Margaret Morgan was found not guilty.
DC Brown said they remember Carol, whose picture is in their office. They focus on the truth and want to give loved ones peace. She said it is easy to forget Carol, so they always focus on her.