PCSO Julia James’ loyal Jack Russell dog takes part in reconstruction in Kent

An actress, accompanied by Ms James’s loyal Jack Russell dog, Toby, retraced her route in a bid to encourage witnesses to come forward
An actress playing the role of PCSO Julia James walks her Jack Russell dog Toby
PA Wire

A reconstruction of the route walked by PCSO officer Julia James before she was killed has taken place and her loyal dog, Toby, was part of the recreated scene.

The small Jack Russell was walked by an actress in an effort to recreate the route the much-loved community support officer took on the day of her killing on April 27.

It comes two weeks after Toby was discovered unharmed at the scene where his owner was found dead after she took him out on their daily stroll near her home in Snowdown, Kent.

PCSO Julia James’s Jack Russell dog Toby
PA Wire

The reconstruction on Tuesday afternoon was done in a bid to help encourage possible witnesses to come forward with any information that could lead to justice.

Police believe there are people who were in the area on the day of the killing who they want to speak to.

It comes as a 21-year-old man appeared in court charged with Ms James’ murder.

Callum Wheeler, from Aylesham, appeared in person at Medway Magistrates' Court on Tuesday.

Wearing a grey jumper and flanked by two security officers in the dock, Wheeler spoke hesitantly to confirm his name, date of birth and address.

Wheeler was arrested on Friday and charged on Monday.

He was remanded in custody to appear at Maidstone Crown Court on Thursday May 13.

Speaking to reporters, 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.

Julia James was found dead on April 27
PA Media

She headed through a wooded area that opened out onto a wide field – the same route Ms James is believed to have taken in the moments before her killing.

From there she headed down the edge of the farmland, with Aylesham Road to running along to her right.

Toby, who has been looked after by Ms James’ family in recent days, padded his way down the well-trodden path on what was a sunny afternoon in Kent.

After rounding the field, the pair headed away from the road and towards an area of woodland that is now cordoned off with police tape.

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.”

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