Julia James: New image released of murdered PCSO in clothes she was last wearing
Hundreds of people, including National Crime Agency personnel, are on the case but there is still no motive or suspect.
Wednesday 5 May 2021 18:12, UK
Police have released a new image of police community support officer Julia James in the same clothes she was wearing before she was found dead.
The image shows Ms James walking her dog Toby while wearing a light blue waterproof coat, blue jeans and dark coloured Wellington-style brown boots.
The force said the clothes, apart from the gloves, are the same as those worn by Ms James when was found dead on Tuesday 27 April in Akholt Wood, near Aylesham, Kent.
Police said they hoped the image would "spark a memory" in anyone who may have seen her.
In a news conference on Wednesday, investigators admitted they still did not have a motive or a suspect and that all options were being considered.
Ms James had been working at home the day she was killed, before going for a walk.
Her body was found at around 4pm by members of the public and a post-mortem confirmed she died of significant head injuries.
Kent Police have also released an image of a map of part of the crime scene.
The force wants to speak to anyone who was in the woods and fields south of Aylesham from Monday to Wednesday last week (26 to 28 April).
"I do not know the motive of this attack. I don't know if it's someone she knew, I do not know if it's a stranger attack - of course that possibility is particularly frightening to local residents," said Assistant Chief Constable Tom Richards.
"I don't know therefore if its's someone who is regularly in the area - therefore increasing it to a three-day period.
"But we're genuinely interested if anyone has any information, if anyone has any concerns or suspicions, we want to hear about it."
Police especially want anyone running, walking or driving in the area between 1pm and 4.30pm last Tuesday, the day of the killing, to get in touch.
Locals have so far provided more than 700 pieces of information to investigators and hundreds of people are working on the case as a fingertip search continues, said Mr Richards.
The National Crime Agency specialists are also helping.
Mr Richards said Julia's dog, who was found at the scene, formed part of the forensics strategy but would not go into specifics.
He added that nearly 200 cars had been stopped in the area on Tuesday - a week after the killing - as they try to glean new information from potential witnesses.
Police have admitted they are "in deep shock" over the death of their colleague, while Ms James' cousin has said the family "will not rest" until they get justice.
Sam Griffin, a presenter on Radio Ashford, posted on Twitter: "Say her name... share her smile... someone somewhere knows something about my cousin's murder.
"My family, her friends and colleagues will not rest."
Ms Griffin had posted on Facebook earlier this week: "Where is the uproar about my beautiful cousin? Where is the huge outrage and pouring of despair? Where are the vigils and protests about her murder?"