New developments have emerged in the decades-old investigation into the murders of Lin Russell and her six-year-old daughter Megan in Kent, England. Two witnesses have recently come forward identifying a new suspect, Raymond Buck, as responsible for the fatal hammer attacks that occurred on July 9, 1996.

Michael Stone, now 66, has been serving a prison sentence for the murders of Dr. Russell and Megan, as well as for the attempted murder of Lin’s nine-year-old daughter Josie, who survived the attack near Chillenden. Stone has consistently maintained his innocence throughout his nearly three decades behind bars.

The family members of Raymond Buck have submitted witness statements to the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC), a body that investigates potential miscarriages of justice, naming Buck as the perpetrator. Buck was a carpenter by trade with a history of violent behavior. He died by suicide in 2000 at the age of 46.

One of the new witnesses, Ross Shields, who was a child at the time of the murders and is now 39, recalled overhearing Buck confessing to a family member on the day of the attacks. Shields quoted Buck as saying, “I’ve done something unforgivable. I’ve killed three people.” Another witness has also come forward to describe Buck’s deteriorating mental state and increasing violent tendencies leading up to the incident.

Stone’s legal representative Karen Todner has confirmed that the CCRC is reviewing the new evidence and is in the process of gathering fresh DNA samples to assist in their reassessment. Both Stone and a relative of Buck have agreed to participate in this latest round of DNA analysis as part of the ongoing review.

The renewed scrutiny of the case comes amid growing calls from advocates and Stone’s supporters to explore the possibility of wrongful conviction, highlighting the importance of ensuring that the true perpetrator is held accountable for the killings. The CCRC’s assessment is ongoing, and no further conclusions or decisions have been announced at this time.