Posted on 07/24/2003 10:21:31 AM PDT by bedolido
Previously unseen video footage of a skydiver moments before he plunged 13,000-feet to his death in suspicious circumstances is being shown on television.
Army cadet Stephen Hilder, 20, appeared pensive as he travelled by bus to what was to be his final jump at Hibaldstow Airfield, north Lincolnshire, on July 4.
Detectives launched a murder inquiry after discovering that the cord on his main parachute and the strapping on his reserve chute had been deliberately severed.
Other video footage to be broadcast on tonight's BBC1 Crimewatch UK programme shows Mr Hilder giving a thumbs-up shortly before jumping from the plane.
He is also seen holding on to his two colleagues in free-fall formation moments before he plunged to his death.
It was the trio's last jump in a week-long competition.
On the night before his death, the officer cadet from the Royal Military College of Science had been enjoying a fancy dress party where he was pictured wearing a blond wig and a strappy black dress.
A reconstruction of events leading up to Mr Hilder's suspected murder will also be staged on the Crimewatch programme.
Detective Superintendent Colin Andrews said: "I believe that there is somebody out there, more than likely a member of the skydiving community, who knows exactly what happened to Stephen's parachute pack and why and I am confident we will get that information.
"It is a wicked crime and somebody out there holds the key to this investigation."
Last Updated: 08:02 UK, Thursday July 24, 2003
What is it with British guys and womens clothing? Cross-dressing seems to be the norm in Merrie Olde England.
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