New Evidence Emerges in Jeremy Bamber Case

Jeremy Bamber, convicted in 1986 for the murders of his adoptive parents, sister, and her twin sons at Whitehouse Farm, has long maintained his innocence. The case, initially treated as a murder-suicide, has been the subject of extensive scrutiny and appeals over the decades. Recent developments suggest that new evidence may provide Bamber with a potential alibi.

The Guardian

New evidence surfaced regarding a 999 emergency call made from the farmhouse at 6:09 AM on the night of the murders. If verified, this call could exonerate Bamber, who was outside the farmhouse with police officers at that time. The initial investigation by Essex police, led to believe there was no such call, was called into question when journalist Heidi Blake interviewed PC Nick Milbank, who had been on duty that night. Milbank claimed he did hear a call, contradicting his earlier statement from 2002, which had denied the existence of such a call.

The Guardian

The Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) has been reviewing Bamber's case for four years. However, it recently rejected his appeal, citing a lack of evidence due to the New Yorker’s refusal to provide source material from Blake’s interview with Milbank. The CCRC also presented a handwritten statement from Milbank, dated 2002, which contradicted his later claims. Following Milbank's death from cancer, the situation has become more complex, as his conflicting statements raise questions about the integrity of the original investigation.

The Guardian

Essex police have maintained that Bamber is responsible for the murders, stating, “In the years that followed, this case has been the subject of several appeals and reviews... all of these processes have never found anything other than Bamber is the person responsible.” Bamber, writing from Wakefield Prison, has called for an independent investigation into Milbank's statements and has accused Essex police of fabricating evidence to mislead the courts.

The Guardian

Bamber's legal team and supporters argue that the investigation was flawed and that the new evidence from Milbank should have been given more weight. They contend that the CCRC's refusal to appoint an independent investigator to speak with Milbank represents a significant oversight. Bamber has also suggested that charges for perverting the course of justice should be considered regarding the 2002 statement.

The Guardian

Bamber remains hopeful that his case will be referred back to the court of appeal, asserting that he now possesses a "rock solid alibi." The CCRC continues to review additional matters raised in Bamber's application, and the outcome of this ongoing investigation could have significant implications for the case.

The Guardian

• “I have never to my knowledge spoken to the New Yorker.” — PC Nick Milbank

The Guardian

• “Not only do I have a rock solid alibi now, but proof that Essex police covered up Milbank’s evidence by faking a witness statement to mislead the courts.” — Jeremy Bamber

The Guardian

• “Where is the audio recording of that telephone call now?” — Jeremy Bamber

The Guardian

The evolving narrative surrounding Jeremy Bamber's conviction highlights the complexities of the case and raises critical questions about the integrity of the initial investigation and the judicial process.

The Guardian