The Chillenden Murders documentary is now available on Netflix, exploring the tragic 1996 deaths of Lin and Megan Russell.
Inside Josie Russell’s life now after surviving Lin and Megan Russell murder(Image: ITV)
The Chillenden Murders explores the horrific murders of mother-and-daughter Lin and Megan Russell, but what became of nine-year-old survivor Josie Russell?
Two years after its initial airing on Channel 5, The Chillenden Murders: Who Killed Lin and Megan? is now available for streaming on Netflix.
This one-off special delves into the harrowing events of July 1996 when Lin Russell, aged 45, and her daughters Josie, nine, and Megan, six, were walking down a country lane in Chillenden, Kent.
Returning home from a local school swimming gala, they were accosted by a man who tied them up and brutally bludgeoned them to death with a hammer.
The assailant, later identified by police as Michael Stone, was reported to have savagely killed Lin, Megan and their family dog Lucy, while Josie Russell miraculously survived the attack.
Josie Russell’s mum and sister Lin and Megan Russell were murdered in 1996.(Image: SHAUN RUSSELL)
Where is Josie Russell now?
Although Josie was the sole survivor, she didn’t escape unharmed, suffering severe head injuries that required extensive surgery to replace part of her skull with a titanium plate.
Her speech and memory functions were also significantly impaired, but over time she managed to make a full recovery.
Following the attack, Josie and her father Shaun Russell relocated to Gwynedd, North Wales, where they had previously resided as a family before moving to Kent.
Josie Russell lives with her long-term fiance Iwan Griffith in Wales.(Image: INSTAGRAM/JOSIE RUSSELL)
Josie went on to earn a degree in design and textiles from Bangor University and continues to thrive as an artist, drawing inspiration from the Welsh landscapes. She sells her work online and at exhibitions.
In 2012, Josie utilised her trust fund and compensation from the Criminal Injuries Board to buy back her family’s former home in Snowdonia, Wales, a place filled with cherished memories.
Michael Stone is currently serving three life sentences for the 1996 murders of mother and daughter Lin and Megan Russell. (Image: GETTY)
The Standard quoted Josie as saying: “It just feels right here. I’m going home and I’ll never leave.”
Josie shares her home with her long-term fiancé, Iwan Griffith, with whom she celebrated their 20th anniversary this week, having first met at a pub on New Year’s Eve 2005.
During a chat on Lorraine, Josie simply stated: “I’ve just got to get on with life and just carry on. I love my job, it’s all fine. Happy.”
The Chillenden Murders: Who Killed Lin and Megan? is currently available on Netflix.
