Police offices assigned to the murder of PCSO Julia James have no leads, no suspects and no motive. They have urged the public to stay vigilant and cautious while investigations continue.
Assistant Chief Constable Tom Richards informed the press he has ‘hundreds of officers on the case’ but is yet to find a suspect or a motive. He understands the publics concern, saying it is only natural to be anxious, but simply told them to stay “cautious and aware”.
ACC urged the public, in a Press Conference held close to the scene of the crime, to remember that this is a ‘rare incident’. Continuing, he added that the world should keep going about their lives. He did not want women – or anyone – to remain indoors due to fear. When going out, he adds, people should be vigilant and aware of surroundings. If anything suspicious happens, or is seen, then the authorities should be contacted.
When questioned over evidence of sexual motivation, ACC Richards stated that he could not confirm or deny in any way but is keeping an unblinkered, open mind in terms about the motive. Ms James died from blunt force trauma, but no comment has been made regarding the murder weapon.
The case was originally deemed suspicious but has since been recategorized as murder.
PCSO Julia James – a life taken too soon
Ms James was a PCSO with the Kent Police, specialising in Domestic Abuse investigations. She was found dead in Akholt Woods, where she had been walking her dog, with significant head injuries. Her Jack Russell, who was uninjured, stood beside her body.
A white police tent was erected around the body, it is still in place now at the popular dog walking spot. A few hundred metres, a police van and car on the driveway offered a police guard. Further officer in vans are stationed by footpaths leading off of Holt Street, where temporary facilities have been built.
Police continue to search the woodland within the rural area. Ben Sandoe, who knew Ms James, said she was a lovely person. A lady who didn’t think she was above the law, because she was the law. He finished the interview saying “It is scary and sad to see that she has died, and that it is suspicious”.
The comments for the well loved PCSO kept coming from members of the community she served for 15 years.
ACC Richards has asked for anyone who regularly visits the area, that may have seen something out of place, to come forward. No matter how small the detail, it could be crucial for the investigation. They also asked anyone who drove past the woods to check their dashcam footage.
Thank you for reading No suspects, or motive, in Julia James murder. !
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