MURDERED MOTHER
Who was Lindy Benstead?
MURDERED mum-of-three Lindy Benstead was found dead near a car with her lover Peter Thurgood in 1986.
The 49-year-old Lindy Benstead was killed with a shotgun but the murderer has never been found.
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Who was Lindy Benstead?
In 1986, Lindy Benstead worked as a cleaner for the Old Thorns Golf Club in Liphook, Hampshire.
She was a married mother-of-three but was having an affair with 47-year-old bricklayer, Peter Thurgood.
Lindy, from West Sussex, died on April 22, 1986, while out for a drive with Peter.
The pair were shot and left near their silver Mazda, which Peter had hired that day.
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What happened to Lindy Benstead?
After work on April 22, 1986, Lindy was collected by Peter in the Mazda.
They drove out to an open area just off the A3, now the B2070, north of Petersfield, East Hampshire.
Both were killed with a shotgun, believed to be fired at point-blank range.
The lovers' bodies were found with Peter slumped beside the car, he had gunshot wounds to his head and chest.
Lindy was found lying on the ground nearby.
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Has Lindy Benstead's killer been found?
Nobody has ever been charged with the deaths of Lindy Benstead or Peter Thurgood.
At the time of the murders, Lindy's husband Mick was questioned but had a clear alibi.
The police were unable to tell if the attack had been motivated by the affair or not.
One line of investigation led the police out to America but they were unable to corroborate evidence.
Without new evidence or a confession, it is unlikely this case will be solved as much needed forensic evidence is missing.
A joint statement from both the Thurgood and Benstead families said: "These terrible killings of our loved ones have haunted both families for 35 years now, and we remain united in our desire to support any enquiries that will help bring justice and closure for us all.
"We ask anyone who has any information they have not yet brought to the police, to come forward now."
Police released drone footage in hopes of bringing forward new witnesses and evidence.
Sussex police Detective Superintendent Emma Heater said: "At the time of these tragic murders and since, numerous people have been named as allegedly being involved and two arrests were made.
"All these leads were thoroughly explored but have not led to any further developments or arrests.
"There remain ongoing forensic enquiries, and further items are currently undergoing examination using techniques developed since 1986.
"We remain in contact with both families and they will be updated with any significant developments.
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"Although there have been no other developments, as in all such cases we always pursue any new information or forensic opportunities whenever they arise."
Anyone who has information can contact Sussex Police online or by calling 101, quoting Operation Bardwell.
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