Susan Ovens
Susan Ovens ne York was born 29th February 1954
She was brutally murdered along with her partner, Sidney Hickling and his Grandfather Dolphus Smith on 24th November 1981.
Susan's Case
On 24th November 1981, the quiet town of Rushden in Northamptonshire was shaken by a brutal triple murder that would leave a lasting mark on the local community. Among those who lost their lives was Susan Ovens, a woman whose life, though largely private, became tragically intertwined with one of the area’s most shocking crimes.
Susan Ovens lived with her partner, Sidney Hickling, in a caravan on Ditchford Lane. The couple’s home reflected a modest and simple lifestyle, set slightly apart from the bustle of the town. While little has been publicly documented about Susan’s early life or personal background, she was known to those around her as someone who valued her close relationships and and was fun to be around.
Between 7.30pm on 23rd and 12.45pm on 24th November 1981, Susan Ovens and Sidney Hickling were victims of a violent triple murder that took place in their caravan. Dolphus Smith, Sidney's Grandfather, was also shot and killed in the attack, along with his dog. The shots fired were believed to have used a WWI Webley 455 service revolver, which has never been found.
It was revealed that a total of 14 shots were fired. Shots wounded Sidney and Dolphus before the fatal shots were fired, with Susan being killed with one shot.
A police reconstruction was carried out in 1984. Despite investigations, no one has ever been convicted for the killings.
If You Have Any Information
If you have information in relation to this case, you can give information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or call 101 to report direct to the police, or contact us directly or via our anonymous information form on our website, and we will forward your information to the relevant police department.