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The death of Rolling Stone guitarist Brian Jones is under police review.
AP file photo
LONDON — British police said Monday they will review the death of Rolling Stones guitarist Brian Jones, whose 1969 drowning was ruled an accident but sparked decades of speculation that he was murdered.
Sussex police in southeast England said they will examine new documents received from an investigative journalist relating to Jones’ death.
“It’s too early to comment at this time as to what the outcome might be,” the Sussex duty inspector said, reading a statement over the telephone. Police did not give further details.
The Mail on Sunday reported that journalist Scott Jones — who is not related to the musician — has handed over 600 documents to Sussex police.
Brian Jones, one of the founding members of the Rolling Stones, was the person who reportedly came up with the band’s name. Formed in 1962, the band branched out from blues covers to become a pivotal group in the so-called British Invasion, drawing fans attracted by their rebellious image and surly but sexy style.
Jones was quickly eclipsed by swaggering lead singer Mick Jagger and guitarist Keith Richards. Increasingly marginalized and drawn to drugs and alcohol, Jones quit the band a month before his death and was replaced by Mick Taylor.
Jones stood out even among his bandmates for his flashy clothes and prodigious appetite for drugs. He died July 2, 1969 at age 27, his body found in the swimming pool at his 11-acre Sussex estate.
A coroner said Jones drowned while under the influence of alcohol and drugs, but the ruling did not quiet speculation that Jones’ death was not an accident.