An 83-year-old man, Michael Steele, who was previously imprisoned for the Essex Boys murders, has been photographed for the first time since his release from prison. Steele, who had served nearly 29 years for the killing of three drug dealers in a Range Rover, was seen wearing a grey fleece and jeans while working on a DIY project outside a house in Essex.
Steele was released in May last year after completing his life sentence for the murders of Tony Tucker, Pat Tate, and Craig Rolfe in Rettendon, Essex. He, along with his former associate Jack Whomes, was convicted of the murders using a shotgun, but doubts linger about the validity of the convictions.
The Criminal Cases Review Commission is currently reevaluating the 1995 case for the third time following a report provided by retired Met detective David McKelvey from his investigation firm TM-Eye. McKelvey has requested forensic testing on key exhibits, such as shotgun shell casings and other items recovered from the crime scene.
Furthermore, McKelvey has urged for retesting of a sweet wrapper and water bottle found in the Range Rover using modern scientific techniques. He expressed surprise that Essex police auctioned off the vehicle after Steele and Whomes were imprisoned, but the police still retain crucial evidence like the shell casings.
Steele, portrayed by actor Billy Murray in a movie about the murders, was released after Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood dismissed a reconsideration application that had temporarily halted his release. Despite being forbidden to speak publicly due to strict parole conditions, a Parole Board hearing in November 2024 cleared Steele for release, deeming him not an immediate risk to the community.
Recent submissions to the CCRC indicate the possibility of a different perpetrator, “Mr D,” being involved in the murders, casting doubt on the original convictions and raising concerns about potential police misconduct. Essex Police maintain that the case has been thoroughly investigated with no new evidence uncovered.
The convictions primarily relied on the testimony of Darren Nicholls, a fraudster who claimed Steele orchestrated the murders due to a drug dispute. However, new evidence suggests potential flaws in Nicholls’ account and raises suspicions about police involvement in manipulating the case.
The complex web of events surrounding the Essex Boys murders has sparked ongoing scrutiny and calls for a comprehensive review of the convictions to ensure justice is served.