Murder of May Richards
May Richards was an 89 year old widow found dead in her home on Sportside Avenue, Walkden, Salford on April 30th 1987. She was found in a "sitting position" with both her hands and feet tied. The coroner's report concluded she had died from a heart attack. There was no sign of forced entry, however her home showed signs of being searched, and police were unable to determine if anything was stolen. Mrs Richards was well-liked in her community, however, was known to be a private woman. She had lost both her husband and son in the previous two decades (I can't find any information if she had any other children). She spent most of her time at home, often being seen tending her garden or feeding a local ginger cat named Susie from time to time. She was discovered by police conducting a welfare check after neighbours became concerned at all her lights being off but her gas fire was still lit. The most obvious motive was this was a robbery gone wrong. The only suspect was a woman described as 5ft 6ins, with dark shoulder length hair and wearing a head scarf who had been spotted at Mays front door peering through her windows between 10 am - 11:30 am. She had spent the day in the neighborhood offering to sell charms and tell people's future. This woman has never been traced. This month will mark 39 years since Mays murder other than a police appeal in 2013 there have been no updates on this case perhaps due to May having little family to push her case.