Forensic Review Suggests Sheila Caffell Died by Suicide in 1985 White House Farm Killings
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Oct 23
Forensic Review Suggests Sheila Caffell Died by Suicide in 1985 White House Farm Killings
1 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Oct 23
Summary
Sue Carney-Gannon, a forensic biologist who reviewed crime-scene photos for the first time in 41 years, said bloodstains on Sheila Caffell’s nightdress and right arm fit a self-inflicted shot while she was sitting upright.
Her report challenges the case used to convict Jeremy Bamber in 1986, which said he staged Caffell’s suicide after killing 5 family members; Carney-Gannon said the blood pattern does not readily fit Caffell being shot while lying down.
The analysis also suggests June Bamber moved around the bedroom while bleeding and that 2 bullets may have missed, undercutting trial claims of a perfect 25-for-25 hit rate that prosecutors used to portray the shooter as skilled.
The findings add to earlier expert criticism of the silencer evidence and are due to be sent to the Criminal Cases Review Commission, which has already spent 4 years reviewing part of Bamber’s latest submission.