Unsolved: fresh bid to find taxi driver's killer

Wednesday, 21 January 2026 23:00

By Gareth Joy X @lookoutwales2

Family photo (South Wales Police)

A fresh appeal has been launched over the unsolved murder of a taxi driver more than 40 years ago.

Jack Armstrong's body was found on Cowbridge Common on 8th October 1979, three days after he picked up a fare from a pub in the Fairwater area of Cardiff.

The 58 year-old had radioed in to confirm his pick up, but he was never heard from again.

On the same evening, his taxi was found - with blood stains inside the car - in the village of Treoes near the Waterton industrial estate in Bridgend.

When his body was discovered, Mr Armstrong - known to his family and friends as Jack - had suffered catastrophic head injuries.

Hundreds of statements were taken and exhibits were examined, but despite extensive enquiries - and renewed appeals over the years, his killer has never been found.

Detective Chief Inspector Matt Davies from South Wales Police said: "We have been working on reviewing this unsolved murder for several years and the case has been the subject of media coverage and featured in a TV documentary series."

"Tragically, his daughter Jean, who featured in the TV documentary and expressed her hope that the killer would be found, passed away recently before she was able to see justice for her dad."

A cold case review by the force's Specialist Crime Review Unit has seen witness interviews and exhibits being re-examined in a fresh effort to finally solve the murder.

DCI Davies added: "Despite the passage of time since Mr Armstrong's death, we remain as committed as ever to bring justice for Jack and his family."

"If the killer is still alive then they are living with the knowledge of what they did for almost 47 years. I'd appeal to anyone who believes they know the identity of the killer to do the right thing and come forward."

A special major incident page has been set up for anyone with information which could assist detectives has been set up by South Wales Police.

They can also contact the review unit directly on 101, quoting reference no. 2000304349.

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