Two men arrested over contract killing
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Police hunting the killers of an accountant shot dead by hooded gunmen at his home have arrested two men after an international inquiry that has lasted four years.
David Wilson, 47, was murdered while his family were held hostage at their home at Withnell, near Chorley, Lancashire in 1992.
The two suspects were arrested in the London area late on Wednesday night
Michael Austin, 39, an American millionaire fraudster, was jailed for life last February for ordering the murder of Mr Wilson, who was shot twice in the head. He was killed after becoming entangled in a pounds 26.5m international cigarette and insurance fraud, masterminded by Austin.
Austin was extradited from New York to face trial last February. The court was told heamassed about pounds 60m from his criminal career. He had at least 50 aliases and even close associates did not know his real name. Stephen Schepke, 46, an arms dealer from Sidcup, Kent, was given a life sentence in October 1993 for aiding and abetting the murder. Other people have also been convicted.
Following the convictions the police revealed they had found a finger print on sticky tape left at the murder scene. The arrests on Wednesday are understood to have been connected to the prints.
The two men were yesterday brought back to Lancashire for questioning after being arrested by a team of Lancashire detectives.
Superintendent Bob Denmark, who has headed a worldwide hunt for the killers, said: "I do believe that our four-year hunt for the gunmen is drawing to a close."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments