A man convicted of the murders of Lin Russell and her daughter Megan could potentially be exonerated with the help of a dog leash. Michael Stone, currently in prison, is scheduled to undergo a fresh DNA sample collection by a miscarriage of justice investigator. This initiative coincides with the 30th anniversary of the tragic events in Chillenden, Kent, where Lin, 45, and Megan, six, were killed, and their daughter Josie, then nine, survived.
Forensic scientist Angela Gallop has recommended re-examining the leash that the family’s white terrier Lucy was attached to during the attack. Gallop believes that the leash and a wooden stick it was tied to could provide valuable “DNA opportunities” if handled by the killer during the murders.
The investigation will utilize DNA-17 testing to identify male and female genetic material. Stone’s saliva will undergo Y-STR testing to isolate male DNA specifically, allowing comparison against potential alternative suspects. The Criminal Cases Review Commission has been conducting a forensic assessment for several years but is yet to conduct any tests.
Stone, who has maintained his innocence throughout his imprisonment, hopes that DNA evidence will vindicate him. The delay in forensic analysis by the CCRC has prompted Stone’s team to take proactive steps to move the process forward swiftly.
Angela Gallop’s report, compiled recently, suggests examining various items, including the dog’s leash, teeth, Lin’s nail scrapings, and a fingerprint from a lunchbox. Despite being convicted based on a disputed cell confession in 1998, Stone’s presence at the crime scene has never been confirmed through forensic evidence. The report also highlights the importance of analyzing a balaclava found near the murder scene, which contained hairs and fibers unrelated to the victims.
A new forensic strategy developed by Eurofins laboratory experts has been shared with Stone’s legal team. The tragic incident occurred as Lin was walking her daughters home from school when they were attacked by a man, resulting in the deaths of Lin and Megan and severe injuries to Josie. Witnesses reported a suspicious man in the area driving a beige Ford Escort, leading to Stone’s identification as a potential suspect based on an E-fit.
The CCRC initially rejected Stone’s case in 2010 but reopened it in 2017 for further examination. Despite claims by serial killer Levi Bellfield confessing to the Russell murders, the CCRC has deemed his assertions not credible.
