LEVI Bellfield’s “astonishing” Russell murders confession is “absolutely true” Michael Stone’s sister has said.
Barbara Stone has long believed the twisted serial killer murdered Lin and Megan in Chillenden, Kent – but she never thought the nightclub bouncer would have the guts to put it in writing.
She hopes it will finally prove her brother, now aged 61, is innocent despite two juries finding him guilty of the 1996 double murder.
Bellfield, who is serving life for the murders of schoolgirl Millie Dowler, Marsha McDonnell, and Amélie Delagrange, has revealed chilling details of the killings.
He’s now made a formal statement claiming responsibility for the deaths of Lin, 45, and her daughter, Megan, six.
Barbara, who continues to campaign for Stone’s freedom, told Kent Online: “This is not just Bellfield chin-wagging.
“Nobody is going to come out with a statement like that over such a terrible crime.
“I have believed Bellfield for a long time but never thought he would have the guts to formalise a statement that can be used as evidence.
“It was a difficult decision on his part I’m sure as he may experience a lot of consequences particularly among his fellow prisoners.
“He has described his movements that day in great detail how he committed the murder and even what he did with implements used.
“My heart goes out to the Russell family who have endured endless pain as we seek to prove Mick is innocent.
“I think it is in all our interests to have this matter investigated when there is a realistic possibility it could bring closure.
“Bellfield has done this the right way and voluntarily.
“I don’t believe he would have made this confession if his mother was still alive.”
His beloved mum, Jean Bellfield, died of a lung condition in 2017 aged 81.
Barbara is now demanding an independent police force takes over any future investigation – and claims her brother shares the same belief.
She added: “I believe there is a conflict of interest with Kent Police.
“It has to be done the correct way through the correct legal process.
“Bellfield has come out with a lot of facts that can be checked including information about the murder weapons.”
Bellfield, who is serving life for the 2002 murder of schoolgirl Milly Dowler and now goes by the name Yufus Rahim, made the shocking claims in a four page statement sent to Stone’s solicitor last month.
Lin, her six-year-old daughter Megan and the family dog Lucy were killed as they walked home from a swimming gala on July 9, 1996.
Josie, aged nine, miraculously survived and has since moved to Wales with her dad Shaun.
Stone, who has always protested his innocence, was found guilty of the double murder and attempted murder in 1998.
He successfully appealed but was found guilty at a retrial in 2001.
Another appeal failed in 2004 with the Criminal Cases Review Commission now examining the 25-year-old case.
A CCRC spokesman said: “Mr Stone’s current application is being reviewed and we remain in regular contact with his legal representatives.
“We are aware they are planning to send in further information, and when received, we will thoroughly analyse it and make any appropriate enquiries.”
The Crown Prosecution Service said the case was “currently not a matter for the CPS but we stand by to assist with either a new police investigation or a CCRC referral”.
Detective Chief Superintendent Paul Fotheringham, of Kent Police, said: “Following two trials at which Stone was found guilty by a jury on both occasions, and an appeal to the High Court, Michael Stone remains convicted of the murders of Lin and Megan Russell, and the attempted murder of Josie Russell in 1996.
“Michael Stone made an application to apply for a Judicial Review in respect of his conviction in September 2012. The Honourable Mr Justice Blake ordered that permission for the application should be refused.
“The Criminal Case Review Commission commenced an extensive re-examination of the murder investigation in 2017 and has had access to all forensic evidence, documentation and exhibits from the original investigation, the review by Hampshire Police, details of the two crown court trials and appeals to the High Court.
“The shoelace which was seized as part of the original investigation was made available to the CCRC. All evidence from the examinations on the shoelace were recorded and disclosed to the CCRC.”
