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The Murder of Rachel Nickell is a brand new true crime documentary released on Netflix today, exploring the 1992 Wimbledon Common killing
Aaliyah Rugg Under 35s Screen Time reporter
10:37, 04 Jun 2026
Who killed Rachel Nickell as Netflix drops devastating documentary
- A new Netflix documentary explores the devastating killing of Rachel Nickell and the wrongful accusation of Colin Stagg in the 1992 death on Wimbledon Common. Rachel Nickell was brutally killed in broad daylight whilst walking with her two-year-old son Alex and dog.
- Her son was left as the sole witness to the frenzied attack, resulting in experts trying to gain information from him, despite his young age. Police, under immense pressure and with little forensic evidence, arrested Colin Stagg after receiving a tip-off. He was subjected to an undercover ‘honey trap’ operation involving a female officer known as Lizzie James.
- Stagg spent 13 months in custody before his trial collapsed in 1994 when a judge condemned the police tactics as “deceptive conduct of the grossest kind”. Despite his release, public speculation continued for years.
- Stagg admitted he was “sick of the whole thing” that dragged on for 15 years. In 2008, he received a £706,000 payout after suing police for malicious prosecution. Assistant Commissioner John Yates apologised, saying: “It is clear he is completely innocent of any involvement in this case.”
- The real killer was Robert Napper who was identified when the case was reopened following DNA advances. Napper pleaded guilty to manslaughter in 2008 on the grounds of diminished responsibility and remains in prison.
READ THE FULL STORY: Who is Colin Stagg and where is he now as brutal Netflix doc airs
