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 viciously attacked while walking on a serene country lane near Chillenden, Kent, back in July 1996.
The family was ambushed, bound, blindfolded, and fatally struck with a claw hammer. Tragically, the family dog also lost its life in the attack, while the surviving daughter, Josie, sustained severe head injuries.
Although Michael Stone was convicted in 1998 for two murders and one attempted murder in this case, recent news revealed that new DNA samples will be gathered from him following a forensic evaluation initiated by the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC).
Fresh reports have tied deceased carpenter Ray Buck, who took his own life in 2000, to the heinous killings. An alleged eyewitness disclosed hearing Buck confessing on the day of the murders. Additionally, one of Buck’s sons has volunteered to provide a DNA profile, as per the Sun.
The CCRC is yet to provide a comment on the matter. This development follows the CCRC’s decision to collect a DNA sample from Levi Bellfield, a convicted serial killer who claimed involvement in the Russell murders but later retracted his statement due to lack of supporting evidence.
Notably, DNA samples have also been taken from Stone, who maintains his innocence regarding the Russell family murders. Stone was initially considered a suspect after an appeal on BBC’s Crimewatch program. His convictions heavily relied on testimonies rather than direct forensic evidence.
Stone’s initial 1998 conviction was overturned upon the confession of a key witness, only to be reinstated in 2001 primarily based on the testimony of another witness.
