After almost 25 years since the murder case of Billie-Jo Jenkins first opened, it could soon be solved using DNA and blood tests.
On February 15, 1997, in Hastings, East Sussex, Billie-Jo was murdered with an 18-inch iron tent peg, she was 13 years old at the time.
Her foster father, Siôn Jenkins, was jailed for life. However, after serving six years he was formally acquitted of her murder in 2006.
Until now, the true identity of the teenager's murderer has yet to be uncovered, but a forensic review could offer new information.
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The case against Siôn Jenkins centred around an argument by prosecutors that 148 'invisible' blood spots found on his clothes were the result of an 'impact splatter,' Mirror reports.
Siôn's ex-wife, Lois, previously claimed that her and her daughters had been the victims of domestic violence at the hands of her husband.
The spots were countered as having been caused by a fine spray from Billie-Jo's breath after Siôn found her dying, according to the foster father's defence team.
Siôn's sentence was overturned after an appeal resulted in two inconclusive retrials, however the foster father was refused compensation as he couldn't be proven innocent.
While the case currently has no new information and isn't considered as yet being open to reinvestigation, the blood spots and other evidence found at the scene in 1997 are being forensically reviewed.
The review will analyse whether there are any bone fragments within the blood spots.
DNA tests from tapings are also set to be carried out to establish if there are matches to any possible suspects.
Police stated: 'We are carrying out a forensic review of material to establish whether or not scientific advances can provide new lines of inquiry.'
Siôn has continued to press for a reinvestigation into the case to be held by police.
The website, Justice for Siôn Jenkins, states: 'Incredibly, the fifteen years since that acquittal have seen no attempt by the police to re-open the investigation. Twenty four years have passed since the murder. In many ways the world has changed out of all recognition but when it comes to justice for Billie-Jo, time has just stood still.'
Asking Sussex Police to 'show the moral courage to own its past, and the honesty to admit that serious mistakes were made in 1997' the site adds, 'Billie-Jo's story can't have a happy ending, but it should have a truthful one.'
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677
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