An unsolved case of a Dumfries woman found dead on Crete has had a breakthrough

The Greek authorities have brought a man in for questioning.

Jean Hanlon

The family of a Dumfries woman who died on Crete 16 years ago could be one step closer to solving the mystery around her death.

Jean Hanlon's family has always believed she was murdered and hired a private investigator last year after the police investigation reached a dead end.

The evidence he gathered has now led to a man, who can’t be named for legal reasons, being questioned by Greek authorities.

His findings also suggest the suspect had been stalking Jean Hanlon in the days before her death in 2009, after a failed attempt to start a relationship.

Jean

Jean’s youngest son Michael Porter has been campaigning for justice ever since her death.

“Having now received and read the accused statement and reading what the magistrate has said, he is very much looking like the guilty one or at least the person that is most likely to have committed the crime.

“Everybody is confident that now we will go to court.”

Jean and her three sons

‘Step in the right direction’

“It would be amazing to have someone prosecuted for the death of our mum – it will hopefully give us some closure but mainly allow our mum to finally rest and allow the family to finally grieve and process everything without having to constantly fight all the time.

“This is what we have campaigned and fought so hard for a long 16 years.”

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