CrimeNews

Julia James’ dog tested for DNA as new information is made public

Julia James’ dog has been tested for DNA as part of her murder investigation.

Seven new pieces of information were released yesterday as Police continue their inquiry.

The 53-year-old Police Community Support Officer was discovered in Akholt Wood on 27th April.

The photo of Julia James in the clothes she was wearing on the day of her murder (Kent Police)

Kent Police Assistant Chief Constable Tom Richards spoke at a press conference yesterday afternoon, where he also revealed that Police believe Ms James was home alone when she left to walk her dog.

Mr Richards said that forensic officers were testing the dog for any DNA evidence.

Speaking to the press he said: “We’ve got a very considerable forensic strategy and it does include the dog.”

ACC Tom Richards

Two images were also released to the public yesterday, including one of her wearing the clothes she was wearing when she died, and an area in which she was found.

They are keen to speak to anyone who was in the red area between 1pm and 4:30pm on 27 April.

The area Police are looking at (Kent Police)

Mr Richards said: “We are trying to establish the route the offender approached the location where Julia was murdered and the route, if different, the offender left that location.

“This is a very remote location and people did not approach the scene in a conventional vehicle, most likely on foot.

“It’s a popular dog walking area, but other vehicles – agricultural and off-road vehicles, bikes – would be capable of reaching that area, and we’re considering every option.”

On the photo of Ms James, a Kent Police spokesman said: “The image shows Julia walking her Jack Russell Toby while wearing a light blue waterproof coat, blue jeans and dark coloured Wellington-style brown boots.

“It is the same clothing, apart from the gloves, which she wore on Tuesday 27 April.”