New DNA samples are to be taken from Michael Stone, who is serving three life prison sentences for the 1996 murders of Dr. Lin Russell and her six-year-old daughter, Megan. The collection of DNA is scheduled for Thursday, exactly 30 years after the mother and child were beaten to death in Chillenden, Kent.
Megan's sister, Josie Russell, then nine years old, was left with severe head injuries but survived the attack. She later moved with her father to Gwynedd, where she is now an artist.
The Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) is currently re-examining evidence in the case. This review was prompted by reports that serial killer Levi Bellfield has allegedly confessed to the murders.
Stone's solicitor, Paul Bacon, expressed optimism regarding the CCRC review and the upcoming DNA test. "We are very hopeful that the CCRC review and DNA test will eventually lead to the real culprit being found," Bacon stated. "We hope then to be able to bring Michael before the Court of Appeal and for him to regain his freedom after all these years of incarceration."
