Billie-Jo Jenkins: Cold case cops continue ‘forensic review’ of evidence in teen’s murder in hopes of fresh breakthrough
COLD case cops probing the murder of teenager Billie-Jo Jenkins are carrying out a fresh trawl of the evidence in hope of a break-through.
The 13-year-old was bludgeoned to death with a 18-inch metal tent peg in the garden of her new home on February 15, 1997.
Foster dad Sion Jenkins was jailed for her murder but was formally acquitted in 2006 when two retrials ended in a hung jury.
Earlier this year, Sussex Police announced a forensic review to find out if scientific advances can provide new evidence, 25 years after the horror.
And tests are continuing almost six months on, the force told The Sun.
A spokesperson said Billie-Jo's murder will be revisited after every two years to see if the killer can ever be snared.
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"Currently no new information has been provided in this case and it is not being re-investigated," he said.
"However, as part of the regular assessment process, we have been carrying out a forensic review of material held on the case in order to establish whether or not scientific advances can provide new evidence or lines of enquiry."
Billie-Jo was killed as she painted the patio doors in the garden of her foster home in Lower Park Road, Hastings, East Sussex.
She was found fatally injured in a pool of blood when Mr Jenkins returned early from a trip to a DIY store with his two eldest daughters.
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After the murder, 148 tiny spots of her blood were found on Mr Jenkins' trousers and fleece jacket.
Prosecutors later argued that their size and distribution were consistent with "impact spatter", sprayed during the frenzied attack on Billie-Jo.
The defence argued that a fine spray of blood was breathed out by Billie-Jo on her foster dad when he went to her aid as she lay dying.
Mr Jenkins' then-wife Lois did not appear as a witness for either the prosecution or defence in the first trial or his first failed appeal.
After his first conviction, she divorced him and fled the country with their four biological daughters.
However, she flew back to testify at his retrials in 2004 and 2006.
HORROR MURDER
Mr Jenkins, who spent six years in prison, has always maintained his innocence.
He claims a prowler could have been responsible for the murder.
A mentally-ill man was arrested by cops in connection with the slaying.
He attempted to strangle the female arresting officer.
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He was ruled out of the investigation on forensic evidence.
Anyone who has any information that could lead to new lines of enquiry in the case can contact Sussex Police by calling 101, quoting Operation Cathedral.
