After more than 26 years, potential breakthrough evidence in the unsolved murder of Jill Dando may lie within the 223 boxes of evidence stored by the police. The Metropolitan Police recently disclosed that they are evaluating this information to determine if it could lead to a new line of investigation, without formally launching an inquiry.
Nigel, Jill’s brother, has expressed optimism about fresh leads emerging, following meticulous scrutiny of the case alongside former colleague Matt Young. The murder of Jill Dando was one of the largest investigations conducted by the Met Police, second only to the ongoing Stephen Lawrence case. Each box related to Jill’s case contains approximately 1,000 pages of evidence.
The records, comprising 23,246 documents stored in the Home Office Large Major Enquiry System (Holmes), reflect the intensity of the 1999 inquiry codenamed Operation Oxborough. Facing challenges due to the aftermath of the Macpherson report labeling the force as “institutionally racist,” the investigation encountered complexities from the outset.
Detective Chief Inspector Hamish Campbell’s team diligently pursued leads, interviewing thousands of individuals, examining numerous exhibits, and analyzing extensive data, including mobile phone records and CCTV footage. Despite the exhaustive efforts, Barry George’s arrest in 2000 led to a conviction that was later overturned in a 2008 retrial.
Campbell, a respected figure within the force, oversaw the case until his retirement in 2013, remaining steadfast in his belief of George’s guilt. The investigation transitioned to an inactive status in 2014 following forensic reviews, with intermittent assessments since then.
The complexity and scale of the Jill Dando murder case continue to intrigue investigators and the public alike, as they navigate through decades-old evidence to uncover the truth behind this high-profile crime.