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04/05/2004
Coroner rules Julie Ward's killing 'unlawful'
The Ipswich Coroner's inquest into the death of British wildlife photographer Julie Ward has ruled that she was unlawfully killed 16 years ago.
Miss Ward's body was found in the Masai Mara wildlife reserve in Kenya in 1988 and her father has always believed that his daughter was murdered.
The 28-year-old from Bury St. Edmonds, Suffolk, disappeared from her campsite in the game reserve on September 7, 1988 while on a seven-month trip to Kenya to photograph African wildlife. Her charred and mutilated remains were found six days later, near the campsite. Her jeep had been found earlier in the game reserve with ‘SOS’ written in mud on its roof.
Kenyan authorities originally claimed that Miss Ward had been attacked and eaten by wild animals, or had committed suicide. However, her father, John Ward, uncovered evidence which revealed that she had been murdered. A Kenyan court ruled in October 1989 that she had been murdered.
It is expected that the unlawful killing verdict will prompt a renewed investigation into the murder by Kenyan authorities.
Three Kenyan park rangers were tried and acquitted on charges relating to the case.
Julie's father, 70-year-old John Ward, who gave evidence at the weeklong inquest in Ipswich, had campaigned for years to have a formal British inquest held, said he was "extremely pleased" though not surprised by the verdict. He said that the case would be solved, not in England, but in Kenya.
British police investigating the case informed the Coroner's Court that "significant" new evidence had been forthcoming from a witness who had recently come forward in Kenya.
(SP)
Miss Ward's body was found in the Masai Mara wildlife reserve in Kenya in 1988 and her father has always believed that his daughter was murdered.
The 28-year-old from Bury St. Edmonds, Suffolk, disappeared from her campsite in the game reserve on September 7, 1988 while on a seven-month trip to Kenya to photograph African wildlife. Her charred and mutilated remains were found six days later, near the campsite. Her jeep had been found earlier in the game reserve with ‘SOS’ written in mud on its roof.
Kenyan authorities originally claimed that Miss Ward had been attacked and eaten by wild animals, or had committed suicide. However, her father, John Ward, uncovered evidence which revealed that she had been murdered. A Kenyan court ruled in October 1989 that she had been murdered.
It is expected that the unlawful killing verdict will prompt a renewed investigation into the murder by Kenyan authorities.
Three Kenyan park rangers were tried and acquitted on charges relating to the case.
Julie's father, 70-year-old John Ward, who gave evidence at the weeklong inquest in Ipswich, had campaigned for years to have a formal British inquest held, said he was "extremely pleased" though not surprised by the verdict. He said that the case would be solved, not in England, but in Kenya.
British police investigating the case informed the Coroner's Court that "significant" new evidence had been forthcoming from a witness who had recently come forward in Kenya.
(SP)
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An inquest into the death of Julie Ward, the British wildlife photographer is to begin, nearly 16 years after her body was found in a Kenyan reserve. Miss Ward, 28, from Bury St. Edmonds, Suffolk, disappeared from her campsite in the Masai Mara game reserve on September 7, 1988.
Julie Ward inquest opens in Ipswich
An inquest into the death of Julie Ward, the British wildlife photographer is to begin, nearly 16 years after her body was found in a Kenyan reserve. Miss Ward, 28, from Bury St. Edmonds, Suffolk, disappeared from her campsite in the Masai Mara game reserve on September 7, 1988.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
