Julia James's dog takes part as police reconstruct PCSO's final moments
The pet was discovered unharmed near to where Ms James's body was found after taking him out for their daily stroll near her home.
Tuesday 11 May 2021 16:43, UK
Julia James's dog has taken part in a police reconstruction near to where his owner was found dead last month.
The pet Jack Russell was walked by an actress to recreate the route the police community support officer (PCSO) took on the day she died, and to encourage any remaining witnesses to come forward.
Toby was found unharmed close to the scene where 's body was found last month, after the 53-year-old had taken him on a walk near her home in Snowdown, Kent, on 27 April.
Police believe there are people who were in the area on the day who they would like to speak to.
The reconstruction came as a 21-year-old man appeared in court charged with Ms James' murder.
Assistant Chief Constable Tom Richards said: "Today on the two-week anniversary of Julia's death we will be conducting, with an actress and Julia's Jack Russell dog Toby, a reconstruction.
"Once again I appeal to anybody who is seeing this footage today who remembers anything at all that could be of assistance to the investigation to help us piece together those last vital pieces."
An actress wearing identical clothes to those Ms James was wearing when she was last seen - a light blue waterproof coat, blue jeans and dark boots - set off from the hamlet of Snowdown with Toby on a lead.
She took the same route Ms James is believed to have taken in the moments before her death.
Mr Richards said: "That is her typical daily walk with Toby around the perimeter of that field.
"And finally, you will see her concluding her walk around the field and entering the woodland where sadly she was found shortly after four o'clock, two weeks ago today."
Ms James's family are taking care of Toby at the moment.
Callum Wheeler, from Aylesham, appeared at Medway Magistrates' Court on Tuesday after being charged with the PCSO's murder on Monday.
The 21-year-old - who was arrested on Friday, more than a week after Ms James's death - spoke only to confirm his name and address.
He was remanded in custody to appear at Maidstone Crown Court on Thursday.