How a single phone found in a river solved a series of murders
In short: When 22-year-old Amélie Delagrange was found dead in 2004, investigators faced a void of forensic evidence. No motive existed, and no physical clues remained at the scene. However, a relentless pursuit of a single piece of technology eventually unraveled a web of unsolved crimes.
The 2019 ITV drama *Manhunt* dramatizes the investigation led by Detective Chief Inspector Colin Sutton following the death of French student Amélie Delagrange. The attack occurred on 19 August 2004 on Twickenham Green in Greater London. Despite the lack of forensic evidence at the scene, Sutton’s team utilized cell tower data to locate Delagrange's phone near the River Thames, specifically near Walton Bridge. This discovery provided the vital momentum needed to target a suspect: Levi Bellfield.
The investigation was complicated by the sheer scale of the search; for instance, investigators initially struggled to identify a suspicious white van because over 25,000 similar vehicles were in use across the UK. The case also required delicate coordination between different police forces. Sutton had to ensure that information regarding Bellfield did not leak to the press, particularly to the *News of the World*, which could have alerted the suspect. This tension between investigative secrecy and media sensationalism was a central theme during the operation.
The legal resolution was a multi-stage process. Bellfield was eventually convicted on 25 February 2008 for the murders of Marsha McDonnell and Amélie Delagrange, as well as the attempted murder of Sarah Knight. He received three life sentences and a recommendation that he never be released. His criminal history was further expanded on 23 June 2011, when he was found guilty of the murder of Milly Dowler, resulting in a second life imprisonment.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Manhunt (2019 TV series)
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/culture-manhunt-2019-tv-series.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Festivals & celebrations · More in Cultures · Latest · A–Z · All topics
