Police could investigate claims that the weapon that killed Annalise Johnstone was buried in a McDonald’s Happy Meal box.
The claim came from Annalise’s brother Jordan Johnstone in Livingston High Court this week.
He was cleared of killing his 22-year-old sister by repeatedly slashing her throat with a Stanley knife near Dunning last year.
However, he revealed that he buried the weapon in the box and left it at the side of the road between Inchture and Errol, but claimed he was not guilty of the grisly crime.
As a result cops and prosecutors may yet review the case and if the weapon is found, a retrial of Jordan could take place.
It is understood that finding the weapon is key to establishing the killer and that any major new evidence brought forward could be tested to see if it meets the double jeopardy requirements.
Another police source told the PA: “It should be re-investigated either by a murder squad or it may get referred to a cold case review team, particularly now that there is no double jeopardy rule.
“Ultimately, murder enquiries are never considered closed until they are solved and a conviction achieved.”
The leader of Perth and Kinross Council has moved to reassure the region’s residents after the verdict left the prospect that the culprit could still be at large.
Council leader, and Strathallan Ward councillor, Murray Lyle said: “There is still someone at large.
“But Perth and Kinross is a safe community to live in and this is a very rare situation.”
