The successful murder investigation into the death of 13-year-old Olly Stephens was attributed to advancements in technology, according to a senior police officer. Olly was fatally stabbed in a field in Reading, Berkshire, in January 2021. Detective Superintendent Andy Howard noted that the investigative approach would have been different if the murder had occurred months earlier.
The suspects had a falling out with Olly because they believed he had informed the brother of a boy they had disparaged in a social media group chat. A girl was also found guilty of Olly’s manslaughter, but none of the perpetrators can be named for legal reasons. Police discovered voice notes and text messages that indicated the boys were planning revenge.
Mr. Howard, from Thames Valley Police, emphasized the importance of technological advancements in providing access to messages that helped to advance the investigation. He featured in a Channel 4 documentary discussing the digital forensics unit’s role in the case. Thanks to the wealth of information retrieved from digital data, the investigation did not require calling a single child to court.
The digital data, mobile phones, and social media content played a crucial role in uncovering the motive behind Olly’s murder. Mr. Howard stated that the investigation quickly revealed that the digital evidence would ultimately provide the answer to why Olly was killed. With the assistance of technological advancements, the investigation was able to progress efficiently and effectively.