The V In The Wall

[killingeve]

What caused the V in the wall? 

[Bubo bubo]

What caused the V in the wall?

My guess would be tree damage from a storm. The tree or one of its branches started things IMO. Later kids climbing over or walkers hopping over for a pee (or a wank) etc. Slowly over time it became more pronounced as erosion from these and the weather took its toll.

[killingeve]

My guess would be tree damage from a storm. The tree or one of its branches started things IMO. Later kids climbing over or walkers hopping over for a pee (or a wank) etc. Slowly over time it became more pronounced as erosion from these and the weather took its toll.

It seems convenient that this small gap, compared with the length and height of the wall, was near to where Jodie was found.  The gap isn't going to show on even the most detailed map.  I think I'm beginning to see why the police and others believe the perp to be familiar with the area.  Its not impossible but highly unlikely some random person unfamiliar with the area was hanging around the V and pounced on Jodie.  The police said there was no evidence she was forced off the path to the other side of the wall but given the way they handled the soc what would they expect to find?  Afaik no footprints were taken and if they didn't cover Jodie's body, highly unlikely they covered the V and foilage to check for fibres which might have shed if a scuffle ensued around the V. 

It was established at trial that John Ferris was a drug dealer and that his moped was seen in the vicinity around the time Jodie was murdered.  His behaviour post murder was very suspicious: he didn't come forward for 5 days until the police appeal; cut his own hair; changed his plans for the evening of 30th June.  It was put to him at trial that his personality had changed.  He has since moved to Ayrshire and no longer welcomed by Jodie's family. 

Assuming he only had previous for dealing cannabis it seems unlikely he would murder his cousin in such a violent way?  But did he use this V in the wall as a location for dealing or even hiding cannabis and/or other drugs?  If so did he complete a deal just prior to Jodie's death in the location, either buying or selling, but was reluctant to supply police with the identify of the buyers/sellers for fear of reprisal? 

https://www.thefreelibrary.com/DID+YOU+MURDER+JODI%3F+QC%27s+challenge+to+her+cousin+at+High+Court.-a0125208334

[Bubo bubo]

It seems convenient that this small gap, compared with the length and height of the wall, was near to where Jodie was found.  The gap isn't going to show on even the most detailed map.  I think I'm beginning to see why the police and others believe the perp to be familiar with the area.  Its not impossible but highly unlikely some random person unfamiliar with the area was hanging around the V and pounced on Jodie.  The police said there was no evidence she was forced off the path to the other side of the wall but given the way they handled the soc what would they expect to find?  Afaik no footprints were taken and if they didn't cover Jodie's body, highly unlikely they covered the V and foilage to check for fibres which might have shed if a scuffle ensued around the V. 

It was established at trial that John Ferris was a drug dealer and that his moped was seen in the vicinity around the time Jodie was murdered.  His behaviour post murder was very suspicious: he didn't come forward for 5 days until the police appeal; cut his own hair; changed his plans for the evening of 30th June.  It was put to him at trial that his personality had changed.  He has since moved to Ayrshire and no longer welcomed by Jodie's family. 

Assuming he only had previous for dealing cannabis it seems unlikely he would murder his cousin in such a violent way?  But did he use this V in the wall as a location for dealing or even hiding cannabis and/or other drugs?  If so did he complete a deal just prior to Jodie's death in the location, either buying or selling, but was reluctant to supply police with the identify of the buyers/sellers for fear of reprisal? 

https://www.thefreelibrary.com/DID+YOU+MURDER+JODI%3F+QC%27s+challenge+to+her+cousin+at+High+Court.-a0125208334

I share this view somewhat. The break with the family could have been down to the fact that he was supplying JJ with cannabis directly or through Luke. They may have felt that this contributed in some way to her murder by mixing with 'Bad' people..
I think he panicked and as you surmise he was worried about repercussions from the big fish in the dealing family tree, who would be concerned that their network could be discovered or disrupted.

The 'V' could have been a drop site such as those  used by cold war spies.

[Bubo bubo]

It seems convenient that this small gap, compared with the length and height of the wall, was near to where Jodie was found.  The gap isn't going to show on even the most detailed map.  I think I'm beginning to see why the police and others believe the perp to be familiar with the area.  Its not impossible but highly unlikely some random person unfamiliar with the area was hanging around the V and pounced on Jodie. The police said there was no evidence she was forced off the path to the other side of the wall but given the way they handled the soc what would they expect to find?  Afaik no footprints were taken and if they didn't cover Jodie's body, highly unlikely they covered the V and foilage to check for fibres which might have shed if a scuffle ensued around the V. 

It was established at trial that John Ferris was a drug dealer and that his moped was seen in the vicinity around the time Jodie was murdered.  His behaviour post murder was very suspicious: he didn't come forward for 5 days until the police appeal; cut his own hair; changed his plans for the evening of 30th June.  It was put to him at trial that his personality had changed.  He has since moved to Ayrshire and no longer welcomed by Jodie's family. 

Assuming he only had previous for dealing cannabis it seems unlikely he would murder his cousin in such a violent way?  But did he use this V in the wall as a location for dealing or even hiding cannabis and/or other drugs?  If so did he complete a deal just prior to Jodie's death in the location, either buying or selling, but was reluctant to supply police with the identify of the buyers/sellers for fear of reprisal? 

https://www.thefreelibrary.com/DID+YOU+MURDER+JODI%3F+QC%27s+challenge+to+her+cousin+at+High+Court.-a0125208334

You are forgetting that the perp may have known the area well. They could have visited friends and family who lived in the general area or even Edinburgh itself. It could have been a holiday spot visited on a regular basis over a number of years/months. They could have lived in the area for a period before moving on.

It may have been earmarked as a potential site. 'Don't shit on your own doorstep' comes to mind.

[killingeve]

If this is the 'V' in the wall its difficult to see how Jodie ended up the other side if not of her own free will?  I had it in my mind that it allowed easy access but that doesn't appear to be the case.  Was she definitely on the footpath?  Could she have taken a different route and been on her way to Newbattle, or wherever, on the other side?

[Bubo bubo]

There is a problem/fault with the original thread which is being investigated.

I have created this thread as a stop gap. They can be merged later.

It seems to me that we need more local knowledge and case data to explore this aspect fully.

The path to the North would also lead to Newbattle but appears longer. Based on the PI’s discussion in the Channel 5 video it seems you can exit the woods from behind the wall but this leads to open fields and pasture. Why start on that path then go across the fields towards the ’v’? Is this a shorter route?

Unless she was attacked within those woods it would require moving her body a considerable distance to get to where she was found. The pathologist said the body could have been moved but nothing about distance. I think he also said that the mutilation may have been after death.

I also feel that if she had stumbled into a drug swap/meet  situation she would not be mutilated as found, especially the tying up of her arms behind her back, removal of clothing, etc. I can see her being stabbed to ‘shut her up’ but the attack is too brutal for such a situation IMO.

As far as going through/over the ‘v’ it cannot be that difficult, all the search party went through I believe. Again local knowledge required.

Then there is the blood issue. I think I am right in saying that blood was found on the wall by the ‘v’. It would be useful to know its precise location. We also need to know what form it took. Was it drops, splashes, runs or smears. Case information we do not have is needed. Was it on both sides or just the path side? The fact that it rained does not help but there may be some clues in what we do know.

If it is smears there is a strong case for it being transferred. This could have been done by the search party and the dog. Equally smears could be caused by someone moving her body through the ‘v’ to hide it.

PERHAPS ROAD RUNNER CAN ANSWER SOME OF THESE POINTS.