Abstract
The article reports that British police are reexamining the unsolved 1999 murder of television presenter Jill Dando following new evidence published by the Mirror linking Serbian mercenary Milorad Ulemek to the crime. CCTV footage, witness testimony, forensic tie analysis, and facial recognition comparisons suggest possible identification of Ulemek as a suspect. The investigation also considers political motives connected to NATO bombing and Dando’s public support for Kosovo refugees. Lawmakers are urging renewed interrogation.
Did a notorious Serbian mercenary kill the British journalist? Investigations into the shocking crime are relaunched
British police have reopened one of the most enigmatic mysteries after Mirror published new findings linking notorious Serbian mercenary Milorad Ulemek to the 1999 murder of TV presenter Jill Dando.
The Metropolitan Police have confirmed that they are analyzing evidence provided by Mirror, including long-hidden CCTV footage, as well as a photograph of Ulemek – a double murderer and commander of the infamous JSO unit – wearing an unusual striped tie, identical to the one worn by the mysterious “Person X” in the surveillance footage.
As Mirror revealed, police will now analyze the original footage of the man captured on the most likely escape route about 20 minutes after the shooting.
Thanks to advanced forensic technology, investigators believe they will be able to compare the video with photographs of Milorad Ulemek Legija, a man whose name carried a terrifying reputation during the wars in the former Yugoslavia.
One detail in particular has drawn attention: a dark blue tie with distinctive stripes, exactly the same as seen on the mysterious man in the CCTV footage.
Forensic analyst Amy Polito found the “most meaningful similarity” specifically in the tones.
“Detailed analysis provides moderate support for the claim that it is the same type and design of tie,” Polito said.
Two key witnesses said they were convinced that Ulemek was the man they saw fleeing the scene in Fulham.
One witness showed the police “Person X” in the CCTV footage one month after the murder: “I am certain it is the same man I saw running in the street… he ran as if his life depended on it.”
It was reported in April 2024 that Mirror first revealed Ulemek matched “Person X.”
A facial recognition expert concluded that they were identical in key facial features – chin shape, hairline, and mouth.
Later analyses revealed another detail: a mark on Ulemek’s nose, the same as seen in the police portrait of the mysterious man.
At the time Jill Dando was killed, NATO was bombing Serbia, and she was one of the most recognizable faces on television, presenting BBC programs such as Crimewatch and Holiday.
Within hours of her murder, the BBC received a call claiming it was in response to the NATO bombing.
Twenty days before her death, Jill had made a charity appeal for Kosovar refugees. In an appeal to the Emergency Disaster Committee on April 6, she referred to Kosovo as a “former Yugoslav region,” which may have angered the Milošević regime.
A source familiar with Serbian security services said Jill’s appeal on behalf of major UK NGOs potentially made her a legitimate target.
Ulemek, a former member of the French Foreign Legion, leader of a criminal clan, and commander of the Special Operations Unit – known for political assassinations and war crimes – is currently serving 40 years in prison in Serbia.
He was convicted of assassinating former Serbian President Ivan Stambolić and organizing the killing of Prime Minister Zoran Đinđić in 2003.
Ulemek was also one of Serbia’s most notorious paramilitary soldiers, whose units are suspected of committing some of the worst atrocities in the Yugoslav wars.
It was reported that he had three foiled escape attempts from the high-security Zabela prison, and he may be eligible for early release in 2030.
Due to the Mirror findings, British MPs have demanded that the case be officially reopened, and the chief prosecutor who prosecuted Milošević for war crimes stated that “Ulemek should be questioned.”
Original article
Balkan Academia 