A recent development in the investigation of the brutal murders of Lin and Megan Russell suggests a new prime suspect has emerged. The mother, aged 45, and her six-year-old daughter were tragically killed in July 1996 while walking on a quiet country lane near Chillenden, Kent.
The attack involved an ambush on Lin and her two daughters, resulting in them being tied up, blindfolded, and fatally struck with a claw hammer. Tragically, the family’s dog also lost its life in the assault. While the young daughter, Josie, survived, she suffered severe head injuries.
Although Michael Stone was convicted in 1998 for two counts of murder and one count of attempted murder in relation to this case, recent developments have led to the reevaluation of DNA evidence. Specifically, new DNA samples are set to be collected from Stone following a forensic review initiated by the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC).
Recent reports have surfaced linking the late carpenter Ray Buck to the killings. Allegedly, an eyewitness overheard Buck confessing on the day of the murders. In a significant move, one of Buck’s sons has offered to provide a DNA sample for analysis.
The CCRC has been contacted for comment on this latest development. This follows the confirmation that DNA samples were also taken from serial killer Levi Bellfield, who previously claimed responsibility for the murders but later retracted his statement, with no supporting evidence found to date.
Additionally, DNA samples have been obtained from Stone, who maintains his innocence in the face of accusations regarding the Russell murders. Stone was initially brought into the spotlight as a suspect following a public appeal on the BBC’s Crimewatch program. His convictions primarily relied on the testimony of a former prison inmate, Damien Daley.
Stone’s 1998 conviction was overturned due to a key witness admitting to lying, but he was retried and found guilty again in 2001, largely based on Daley’s testimony. The investigation continues to uncover new leads and evidence in this long-standing case.