In HMP Frankland, Michael Stone is set to receive a DNA sample collection tube today from an investigator looking into his case of being convicted for the murders of Lin Russell and her daughter Megan. Stone’s DNA sample could potentially lead to his exoneration from the crime, coincidentally being investigated by the Criminal Cases Review Commission on the 30th anniversary of the horrific incident.
The tragic events unfolded on July 9, 1996, when Lin, Megan, and their other daughter Josie were returning home after a swimming gala. They were attacked by a man wielding a hammer, leading to a brutal assault that resulted in the deaths of Lin and Megan. Josie, miraculously surviving the ordeal, was found tied to a tree with severe injuries.
Despite extensive forensic work, including witness testimonies and evidence of the crime scene, the case against Stone primarily relied on questionable prison confessions from inmates who had been with him during his remand period. Stone, known for his violent past and mental health issues, had a history of criminal behavior, including serious drug addiction and previous convictions for violent acts.
The lack of concrete evidence linking Stone to the crime, combined with doubts surrounding the reliability of witness testimonies, has raised questions about the validity of his conviction. The CCRC is currently reviewing the case to determine if there is a possibility of a miscarriage of justice, with the potential for Stone’s conviction to be overturned by the Court of Appeal.
