New appeal over mysterious murder of scientist gunned down on doorstep

‘People out there know who killed Karen Reed,’ says detective investigating 1994 case

Karen Reed, killed on the doorstep of her Surrey home in 1994 (Surrey Police)

The murder of a scientist who was gunned down by a hitman on the doorstep of her Surrey home is back in the spotlight, 27 years on, as detectives issued a new plea for information.

Karen Reed, 33, was shot five times when she answered the door to a man disguised as a pizza delivery driver at her home in Woking on the evening of 30 April 1994.

Investigators have said they believe the professional hit was a case of mistaken identity, and that the intended target may have been Ms Reed’s sister – whose husband had been jailed for murdering two senior figures in the government of Chechnya.

Detectives released a picture of a suspect to the media for the first time on Wednesday, and offered a reward of up to £10,000 for information which leads to the arrest.

“People out there know who killed Karen Reed,” said Surrey Police force’s deputy senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Gareth Hicks.

“Whether it’s the individual who pulled the trigger, or those who were assigned to arrange this contract killing, it’s time for them to come forward.”

Ms Reed worked in Surrey as a geophysicist and had been enjoying a glass of wine at home with a friend when she was brutally murdered.

She was at her home in Willow Way on the Barnsbury Estate in Woking, which she shared with her sister, when she answered the door at around 9.15pm.

The bogus fast food delivery driver, who was tall, dark-haired, wearing glasses and holding a blue and white pizza box, asked her to confirm the address before shooting her at close range five times.

“We strongly believe that this murder was a case of mistaken identity and a contract killing which went wrong,” said DI Hicks.

“Those who are out there and know what happened may feel more comfortable in coming forward with information due to certain loyalties and relationships breaking down over time. It’s time for these people to do the right thing and help us.”

Police drawing of suspect in 1994 killing (Surrey Police)

The investigation, known as Operation Lilac, remains one of the largest ever undertaken by Surrey Police. The murder probe saw detectives take 1,700 statements and pursue over 3,000 lines of enquiry, but the hitman has never been identified.

It is believed the killer had made a bungled first attempt two weeks earlier, but ran off when his red Vauxhall Cavalier attracted the attention of police.

When officers searched the car they found a gun fitted with a silencer along with a map to the Barnsbury Estate and a commando knife. There was also a black Delsey Bag plus a rare, Olney blue tartan cap.

Police still suspect the killing was a case of mistaken identity.

Speaking to the BBC’s Crimewatch Live programme on Wednesday, DI Hicks said: “We know her sister was under some level of threat because of her husband’s involvement in criminality. Karen had no idea about that level of threat.”

A reward of up to £10,000 is on offer for information which leads to the arrest and conviction of those linked to Ms Reed’s murder.

Anyone with information can contact the Surrey Police Operation Lilac team on 01483 639969 or online via webchat at surrey.police.uk. To remain anonymous contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.