Cold Case Shock: RAF Aircraftswoman Murdered 53 Years Ago
Thames Valley Police have launched a fresh appeal for information in the grisly murder of 19-year-old Aircraftswoman Rita Ellis. The young RAF recruit was killed in Buckinghamshire back in November 1967 — and justice still hasn’t been served.
Rita’s Final Moments at RAF Halton
Rita Ellis, from Stevenage, Hertfordshire, was found dead on the morning of Sunday 12 November 1967. Her body was discovered near a disused railway at the old coal yard on RAF Halton by a dog walker. Covered by leaves and foliage, her remains were just 250 yards from the main Wendover-Tring road.
Investigators revealed Rita had been sexually assaulted and strangled with a ligature fashioned from her own underwear. At the time, the local force was Buckinghamshire Constabulary, with New Scotland Yard leading the hunt for the killer. Thames Valley Police didn’t even exist back then.
New Appeal: Police Urge Witnesses to Speak Out
Peter Beirne, head of Thames Valley Police’s Major Crime Review Team, said:
“There will be people out there who have suspicions about who murdered Rita Ellis and we want to hear from them. Just give us the name of who you suspect. We don’t need your personal details.”
He urged anyone with info — no matter how small — to come forward. “The person responsible has carried this horrific act on their conscience for 53 years. There’s a possibility they’ve confided in someone. If your allegiance has changed or you couldn’t speak before, now is the time.”
Call 101 or email [email protected] with any tips.
Remembering Rita: A Family Still Seeking Closure
Rita was the eldest of four siblings. At the time of her death, her sister Tina was only ten years old. Her two brothers were 17 and 13. Their parents, who lived in Stevenage, have since passed away.
Rita joined the RAF on 28 April 1967 and was posted to RAF Halton on 21 June. She worked as a trade assistant while training for additional qualifications. She lived in the Women’s Royal Air Force accommodation at block 7, building 314.
On the 50th anniversary of the murder, Tina opened up about the tragedy:
“Rita was wonderful — kind, caring, and supportive. She was painfully shy but the RAF gave her confidence and broadened her horizons. Her murder shattered our entire family. Mum and Rita were incredibly close — like sisters. Mum was never the same and died on the exact same date years later, 11th November 1994.”
Tina pleaded for anyone with information to come forward, saying: “We want justice for Rita. Someone, somewhere must know something. Please help us bring closure and peace.”
