The potential breakthrough in unraveling the long-standing mystery of Jill Dando’s murder may lie within the extensive collection of evidence stored in 223 police boxes. Metropolitan Police officials are currently reviewing the information to determine if it could lead to a new line of investigation.
Nigel, Jill’s brother, has expressed optimism about fresh leads emerging from the detailed examination of evidence conducted with former colleague Matt Young. The inquiry into Jill’s tragic death marked one of the largest homicide investigations undertaken by the Metropolitan Police, with each of the 223 evidence boxes containing approximately 1,000 pages.
The exhaustive 1999 investigation, known as Operation Oxborough, faced significant challenges from the outset, following intense scrutiny resulting from the Stephen Lawrence case. Despite interviewing thousands of individuals, tracing vehicles, and analyzing numerous leads, the case remained unsolved.
Barry George’s arrest in 2000 led to a lengthy legal process to secure his conviction, which was later overturned in a 2008 retrial. Despite retirement, former lead investigator Det Chief Insp Hamish Campbell maintains his belief in George’s guilt, as highlighted in a recent documentary.
The case was placed on inactive status in 2014 following forensic reviews but has not undergone a comprehensive independent assessment since. Periodic reviews and further forensic examinations have been conducted in the years since.
