Deep Dive
Why did Julie Ward travel to Kenya in 1988?
Julie Ward, a 28-year-old British wildlife photographer, traveled to Kenya in 1988 to take photos of wildlife, particularly the herds of wildebeests during their annual migration from Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park into Kenya’s Masai Mara Reserve.
Why did Doug Morey and the Weld Dixons start worrying about Julie Ward?
Doug Morey and the Weld Dixons became worried when Julie didn’t return to Nairobi by September 9th, 1988, as planned. They had expected her to arrive earlier in the week, but she hadn’t, and they couldn’t find any reports of her being in a car accident or hospital.
What did the initial post-mortem report by Dr. Adel Shaker conclude about Julie Ward's death?
The initial post-mortem report by Dr. Adel Shaker concluded that Julie Ward's remains appeared to have been cut with a sharp instrument before being burned, indicating that she was murdered.
Why did John Ward accuse the Kenyan police of covering up Julie's murder?
John Ward accused the Kenyan police of covering up Julie's murder because he believed they were more concerned about the negative impact on Kenya’s tourism industry than about getting to the truth. He also noted inconsistencies and unprofessional behavior in their investigation.
What inconsistencies were found in the evidence and testimony regarding Julie Ward's death?
Several inconsistencies were noted, including the clerk at Sand River Camp forging Julie’s signature in the register book, the constable's conflicting statements about helping her take down the tents, and the strange placement of a solar-powered battery on a coin at the Ranger outpost.
Why did Kenya's attorney general charge Simon Olimakala with Julie Ward's murder in 1998?
Kenya's attorney general charged Simon Olimakala with Julie Ward's murder after an 18-month investigation revealed sufficient circumstantial evidence. This included Simon’s involvement in suppressing evidence and lying about his ability to drive.
What new information came to light in 2020 regarding Julie Ward's murder?
In 2020, after the death of Kenya’s former president, Daniel Moy, several witnesses came forward with information they had been too scared to share. One witness claimed that Daniel’s son, Jonathan Moy, was involved in the murder and that the former president helped cover it up.
Why do Julie's brothers, Tim and Bob Ward, continue to pursue justice for their sister?
Julie's brothers, Tim and Bob Ward, continue to pursue justice for their sister because they are convinced that a political conspiracy, potentially involving the Moy family, is behind her murder. They have taken up the mantle of their father’s efforts to find the truth.
What was the outcome of the 1992 trial against the two park rangers accused of Julie Ward's murder?
The 1992 trial against the two park rangers accused of Julie Ward's murder ended with their acquittal. The assessors and judge found there wasn’t enough evidence to convict them, despite strong suspicions and circumstantial evidence.
How did the media and public react to the various theories about Julie Ward's murder?
The media and public reacted with skepticism to many of the official theories, such as Julie dying by suicide or being struck by lightning. John Ward's persistent efforts and the emergence of new evidence and witnesses kept the case in the spotlight, fueling a range of speculative theories and increasing public interest.
- Julie Ward's disappearance in Masai Mara National Reserve
- Initial search efforts
- Julie's last known movements
- Description of Masai Mara
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