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It has been more than four months since the tragic death of Morgan Huelin – the 16-year-old Victoria College student found dead after a house party in Trinity.
Last night’s statement by the States of Jersey Police means that the five teenage suspects arrested on suspicion of his murder are no longer on bail and will not face murder charges.
But they have emphasised that some criminal charges are still being considered by prosecutors.
Here is the timeline for the investigation that police have codenamed “Operation Emerald”.
Sunday, 5 July
At 9.45 am 16-year-old Morgan Huelin is found unconscious in Rue du Becquet Vincent in Trinity by a woman walking her dog. An ambulance takes him to hospital, where is pronounced dead. Police arrested three young men who had been at a party at a house nearby on suspicion of murder very soon after arriving at the scene. A team of 24 officers began forensic searches and house-to-house inquiries. A fourth young man was arrested later in the day, and another late at night.
Monday, 6 July
Police release Morgan’s name. All five suspects – four 16-year-olds and one 15-year-old – are interviewed by police. The police also reveal that Family Liaison Officers are supporting not just the grief-stricken Huelin family, but also students and staff at Morgan’s school, Victoria College. The suspects are released from police custody between 5 and 6.30 pm – they are bailed to reappear on 10 August. A statement is given by the Headmaster of Victoria College, paying tribute to Morgan as “a genuinely honest and good-natured young man”.
Tuesday, 7 July
A Post Mortem examination led by a specialist from the UK takes place.
Thursday, 6 August
The States of Jersey Police confirm that the bail of the five suspects has been extended until Wednesday 30 September. They say that specialist forensic work by the Home Office Pathologist is taking place in the UK to establish precisely what caused Morgan’s death, and that the work is critical to the investigation.
Tuesday, 18 August
The inquest into Morgan’s death opens. A senior detective gives evidence to the hearing and a lawyer representing the five suspects attends. The inquest allows Morgan’s body to be released for cremation, and is adjourned until the outcome of any possible criminal proceedings.
Wednesday, 23 September
The police again extend the bail of the five suspects, this time until 27 November. They give the same reason as before: that specialist forensic work is taking place and will take weeks to complete, and that the work is vital for the police investigation and any decision taken by the Law Officer’s department on a possible prosecution.
Monday, 9 November
All five suspects are released from police bail on suspicion of murder after the UK forensic analysis is completed. The decision, more than four months after Morgan’s death, means that they will not be charged with murder. But the police stress that the Law Officer’s department are considering other charges for prosecution.
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