Summary
Forensic evidence in the 1996 murder case of Dr. Lin Russell and her daughter Megan is being re-examined as part of a review into the conviction of Michael Stone. Despite previous rejections, the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) is looking into the case again due to advances in forensic science. Stone, who is serving life sentences, continues to claim he is innocent.
Key Facts
- Dr. Lin Russell and her daughter Megan were murdered in 1996 in Chillenden, Kent.
- Michael Stone was convicted for the murders and the attempted murder of Lin’s older daughter, Josie.
- The CCRC is re-evaluating Stone’s conviction but has not yet found a basis to overturn it.
- Stone's legal team, led by barrister Mark McDonald, has commissioned new forensic reviews.
- Advances in forensic science may reveal evidence that could not be detected in the 1990s.
- No DNA linked to Stone has been found on key evidence items so far.
- The CCRC is determining if Stone's case might be a miscarriage of justice.
- Josie Russell survived the attack with severe injuries and has since returned to her family home.
