Levi Bellfield DNA Test for Russell Murders Inquiry

Serial killer Levi Bellfield will undergo a DNA test as part of an inquiry into the 1996 murders of Lin Russell, 45, and her six-year-old daughter, Megan. The Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) is conducting the investigation to determine if Michael Stone, who was convicted in 1998 for the killings and the subsequent attack on Megan's nine-year-old sister Josie, was wrongly imprisoned. Stone has consistently maintained his innocence since his conviction.

The inquiry aims to explore new avenues of investigation by testing Bellfield's DNA against evidence related to the Russell murders. Bellfield is currently serving a life sentence for the murders of Milly Dowler, 13, in 2002, and Amélie Delagrange, 22, in 2004, as well as the attempted murder of Kate Sheill, 18, in 2004. His conviction for these crimes solidified his status as a notorious serial offender.

The CCRC's decision to test Bellfield's DNA signifies a significant development in the long-standing case. The commission is responsible for reviewing potential miscarriages of justice and has the authority to order new tests and investigations. The outcome of this DNA analysis could have profound implications for Michael Stone's conviction and potentially shed light on the true perpetrator of the Russell family murders. The attack on Josie Russell, who survived the initial assault, has also been a central focus of the case, with her testimony being crucial during Michael Stone's trial.