A new DNA sample is to be collected from Michael Stone, who is serving life sentences for the murders of Dr. Lin Russell and her daughter Megan, in a bid to uncover new evidence and potentially prove his innocence. The development comes as the 30th anniversary of the brutal killings approaches.

New DNA Sample Collection

An investigator from the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC), a watchdog for miscarriages of justice, is scheduled to visit Michael Stone in HMP Frankland, County Durham, on Thursday to collect a new DNA sample. The procedure, which includes obtaining a saliva sample, is part of a renewed effort to examine the evidence surrounding the 1996 murders. Stone, aged 66, has consistently sought further DNA testing, particularly with the advent of advanced forensic techniques that can now isolate male DNA from mixed samples.

The hope is that these new tests could identify the DNA of another individual, potentially pointing to a different perpetrator and supporting Stone’s long-held claims of innocence. This initiative aligns with advancements in forensic science, similar to cases where new DNA analysis has led to the release of wrongly convicted individuals.

The 1996 Chillenden Murders

The case dates back to July 1996, when Dr. Lin Russell, 45, was walking with her daughters Megan, six, and Josie, nine, near the village of Chillenden in Kent. A man attacked the family, tying them up and assaulting them with a hammer. Dr. Russell and Megan were killed, while Josie survived despite severe head injuries. The family’s dog, Lucy, was also killed in the attack.

Michael Stone was convicted of the murders and the attempted murder of Josie, receiving three life sentences. His conviction has been a subject of appeals, with the most recent one being rejected in 2019. Stone has always maintained his innocence.

Examining Key Evidence

A fresh forensic strategy, developed by a scientist at Eurofins laboratory, has been shared with Stone’s legal team. Several items of evidence are considered crucial for the new testing:

• Plimsoll Lace: A lace from a plimsoll, found at the scene and stained with blood from Lin Russell’s wrist, is a primary focus. This item was used to tie the victim’s hands.
• Samples from Victims: Swabs taken directly from the skin of Lin and Megan Russell are also marked as high priority. These samples have not undergone testing since 1996, which could reduce the risk of contamination.

The investigation into the original evidence has been fraught with issues. Some items, including a lunchbox with a fingerprint, have gone missing, while others were found to be contaminated. Although many items were tested for DNA in 1996, no matches were found for any suspects at that time.

Notably, a boot lace stained with the victims’ blood, discovered 45 metres from the murder scene, was initially reported missing in 2010 and believed to have been tested to destruction. However, it was recovered by police in 2020 and is expected to be re-examined.

Other potential evidence, such as fingernail scrapings from Lin Russell’s left hand and samples from the family dog’s teeth and back, are believed to have never been tested.

Potential for New Suspects and Levi Bellfield

The new DNA testing techniques, such as DNA-17 and Y-STR analysis, are designed to isolate male DNA even when mixed with female DNA, or to verify male lineage. DNA-17, which became common after 2014, has a statistical probability of less than one in a billion for two unrelated individuals sharing the same profile. Y-STR testing can identify even trace amounts of male DNA and is useful for comparing against specific individuals.

If the new tests reveal male DNA that does not match Michael Stone or Shaun Russell (Lin Russell’s husband), it could point towards an alternative suspect. The possibility of serial killer Levi Bellfield being involved has been raised previously. Bellfield, who is serving sentences for other murders, has reportedly confessed to the Russell murders on multiple occasions, although these claims have been met with skepticism by the CCRC, which has noted his history of making false confessions.

Stone’s legal team believes that the potential discovery of another man’s DNA could be pivotal in identifying a new suspect. Mark McDonald, Stone’s barrister, stated to the Sunday Times, “Michael Stone has been in custody for 29 years for a murder he did not commit. He is innocent.” He also highlighted Stone’s persistent requests for further forensic examination over the decades as indicative of his innocence.

Comparison to Other Cases

The advanced DNA testing methods being employed echo those used in the case of Andrew Malkinson. Malkinson was released in 2023 after serving 17 years for a rape he did not commit, following new DNA analysis of evidence from the victim’s clothing that led to the identification and conviction of the actual perpetrator.

The CCRC’s involvement signifies a formal review of Stone’s conviction. If the new forensic findings provide compelling new evidence, the commission has the authority to refer the case back to the Court of Appeal, potentially leading to a retrial or quashing of the conviction.

Conclusion

The collection of a new DNA sample from Michael Stone represents a significant step in his ongoing efforts to prove his innocence. With advancements in forensic technology and a re-examination of crucial evidence, there is a renewed hope that the truth behind the tragic Russell family murders may finally come to light, potentially exonerating Stone or identifying the true perpetrator.