The sister of a man who was found guilty of the murder of a mother and her daughter has spoken out after it was revealed that authorities are reevaluating the evidence that led to his conviction.
Michael Stone, 65, a former heroin addict, was convicted of the killings of Lin Russell, 45, and her six-year-old daughter Megan in 1996. The brutal hammer attack took place in Chillenden near Canterbury as the family was returning home from a swimming gala on July 9 of that year. While Lin and Megan tragically lost their lives, Josie, the surviving sister, witnessed the horrific incident.
Despite being sentenced to three life terms in 1998, Stone has consistently maintained his innocence. His sister, Barbara Stone, has now broken her silence on the ongoing reinvestigation, expressing hope that her brother could be exonerated nearly three decades later.
Over the years, Stone has persistently protested his innocence through multiple trials, appeals, and attempts to overturn his conviction overseen by the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC). The recent involvement of forensic expert Professor Angela Gallop has brought new insights into the case, advocating for a reexamination of the murder weapons and more extensive analysis of blood samples.
Barbara Stone is optimistic about the new developments, emphasizing the scientific approach Professor Gallop has taken, which has revealed surprising scenarios. She highlighted advancements in DNA testing that could potentially shed new light on the case. Additionally, she welcomed the CCRC’s scrutiny of career criminal Damien Daley, whose testimony played a crucial role in Stone’s retrial in 2001 but has since been recanted.
Professor Gallop is currently examining key items from the crime scene, including Lin Russell’s clothing, the shoelace used to bind the victims, and the towel strips utilized as blindfolds and gags. She has also requested the evaluation of a balaclava discovered half a mile away. Despite the absence of DNA evidence linking Stone to the crime scene, he was convicted and imprisoned.
Barbara Stone has remained steadfast in her support for her brother, maintaining regular contact with him at HMP Frankland in County Durham. Despite previous setbacks, she remains cautiously hopeful about the ongoing reexamination, acknowledging the rollercoaster nature of the legal process. Stone, who has been incarcerated for over 28 years, has opted not to seek parole in 2022, as he views it as an admission of guilt.
The case has attracted attention due to its complexity and the possibility of a wrongful conviction, prompting a thorough review of the evidence that led to Michael Stone’s imprisonment.