Brendon Williams

New DNA samples are being taken from Michael Stone as the Criminal Cases Review Commission re-examines his convictions for the 1996 murders of Lin and Megan Russell, prompted partly by reported admissions from serial killer Levi Bellfield. Stone’s legal team argues DNA evidence could help overturn his convictions, while former detective Colin Sutton doubts Bellfield’s involvement. The review is assessing forensic and other aspects to determine whether there is a real possibility the Court of Appeal could quash Stone’s convictions, as the case continues to resonate in the Kent community three decades later.

Fresh DNA samples are being taken from Michael Stone as the Criminal Cases Review Commission re-examines his convictions for the 1996 murders of Lin and Megan Russell, following claims by serial killer Levi Bellfield that he committed the crime. Stone’s legal team argues new forensic testing could reveal a miscarriage of justice, while investigators continue reviewing multiple aspects of the case. Survivors and local residents reflect on the lasting trauma of the attack, and the CCRC says it will refer the case to the Court of Appeal only if it finds a real possibility the conviction is unsafe.