New Twist in Jill Dando Case: Suspect’s Likeness to Serbian Assassin Revealed
A recent investigation has unveiled a startling resemblance between a key suspect in the murder of Jill Dando and Milorad Ulemek, a convicted assassin linked to Serbian secret services. This development adds a complex layer to the unsolved case of the Crimewatch presenter who was fatally shot outside her home in Fulham, South-West London, in 1999.
The suspect, referred to as “Man X,” was captured on CCTV along what is believed to be the escape route of Dando’s assailant. The footage depicted a figure that bore the characteristics of professional execution, mirroring the precision of a seasoned hitman. Facial comparison expert Emi Polito conducted an analysis, revealing numerous similarities between the man seen in the CCTV and Ulemek, who is currently serving a 40-year sentence in Serbia for unrelated murders, according to Daily Mail.
At the time of Dando’s murder, Ulemek was the notorious leader of a squad targeting foes of Slobodan Milosevic, the then-Serbian leader. This connection has reignited interest in the case, particularly from Jill’s brother, Nigel Dando, who expressed hope that this new lead might finally lead to a conviction.
Barry George, who was originally convicted for Dando’s murder and later acquitted after eight years in prison, has urged the police to pursue this new angle vigorously. His defense lawyer, Michael Mansfield KC, advocated for a comprehensive review of the case, including a forensic re-examination of the original evidence and an investigation into Ulemek’s whereabouts at the time of the murder.
The investigation gains further significance considering the geopolitical context of Jill Dando’s death. It occurred during the NATO bombing of Serbia in the Yugoslav war, shortly after Dando had publicly appealed on behalf of Kosovan refugees. A claim was made shortly after her murder suggesting it was a retaliatory act in response to the NATO campaign.
Polito’s analysis pointed out several facial similarities between Ulemek and the suspect, including the mouth, chin, and hairline, though he noted that the limited quality of the CCTV footage constrained a definitive conclusion. However, he mentioned that an e-fit image released by police, which shows a dent on the bridge of the nose, aligns with Ulemek’s known features, adding credibility to the hypothesis.
This latest revelation has stirred the waters of one of Britain’s most notorious unsolved cases, which has remained dormant for over a decade. The police are now faced with the task of revisiting and potentially revitalizing the investigation based on these compelling new findings.
Here’s @DailyMirror exclusive: Jill Dando murder revelation… Man X’s striking resemblance to Serbian secret services assassin https://t.co/tOg3EvxeIi
— John Cross (@johncrossmirror) April 22, 2024