18 June 2023 , 20:49
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Police reviewing Stephen Lawrence’s murder hope new forensic methods could catch remaining suspects.
The inquiry into the racist killing was shut down three years ago by Scotland Yard.
But the force revealed it is carrying out a new probe to see if the latest technology can spark a breakthrough.
The Met said: “This is the first forensic review since the investigation was placed into an inactive phase in 2020.”
Stephen, 18, was stabbed in April 1993 by a gang in Eltham, South East London.
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Gary Dobson, 47, and David Norris, 46, were jailed for life 19 years later after Stephen’s blood and clothing fibres were found on items seized from the men.
David Norris got a life term (PA)
Gary Dobson also got a life term (AFP/Getty Images)Brothers Jamie and Neil Acourt and Luke Knight were also named as suspects.
The Mirror can reveal detectives examined a new lead in May last year following a tip-off.
Stephen's father Dr Neville Lawrence (Humphrey Nemar.)But the force said no further evidence was found to support it and the line of inquiry closed.
The Dobson and Norris trial centered on fragments found during another forensic review.
Former Detective Chief Inspector Clive Driscoll in April (STEVE FINN PHOTOGRAPHY)A red fibre linked to Stephen was discovered on a shirt seized from the home of the Acourts, who were not on trial.
Stephen’s family have little faith in the Met snaring the remaining killers after Det Chief Insp Clive Driscoll, who led the successful investigation, was forced to retire.
Jamie Acourt was suspected in the racist murder of Stephen Lawrence (PA)
Neil Acourt is also a former suspect (PA)Mr Driscoll told the Mirror today: “I hope the new review brings fresh evidence and we can eventually give complete justice to the family.”
Dr Neville Lawrence, 81, said on the 30th anniversary of his son’s murder the Met cannot be trusted to pursue new leads.
Luke Knight was also previously named as a suspect (BBC)Lawrence's 30-year fight for justice
April 22, 1993: Stephen Lawrence, 18, is stabbed to death in an unprovoked attack by a gang of white youths as he waits at a bus stop in Eltham, South East London, with his friend Duwayne Brooks.
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April 26: Four prime suspects put under surveillance.
April, 16, 1994: CPS says new evidence is insufficient to support murder charges.
Sept 1994: Lawrence family begins a private prosecution against the prime suspects.
April 18, 1996: Murder trial begins at the Old Bailey against three suspects. It later collapses and they are acquitted.
Feb 13, 1997: Inquest into Stephen’s death ends with a verdict from the jury that he was “unlawfully killed by five white youths” in a racist attack.
Feb 24, 1999: Report into the case and its wider implications by former high court judge Sir William Macpherson concludes the police investigation was “marred by a combination of professional incompetence, institutional racism and a failure of leadership by senior officers”. The report prompts a series of changes within the Met Police.
Nov 14, 2011: The trial of Dobson and Norris for Stephen’s murder begins at the Old Bailey.
Jan 3, 2012: Dobson and Norris are found guilty of his murder.
April 2023: Neville and Doreen Lawrence say they have no faith in the Met on the 30th anniversary of Stephen’s murder.