A murder investigation – which saw a man from Chatteris convicted – will be the focus of a two-part special of 24 Hours in Police Custody.

Cambs Times: The murder investigation of Sam Mechelewski – which saw Jordan Shepherd of Chatteris (pictured) convicted – is to feature in a two-part special of the 24 Hours in Police Custody TV show on Channel 4. Picture: Supplied/Cambs CopsThe murder investigation of Sam Mechelewski – which saw Jordan Shepherd of Chatteris (pictured) convicted – is to feature in a two-part special of the 24 Hours in Police Custody TV show on Channel 4. Picture: Supplied/Cambs Cops (Image: Supplied/Cambs Cops)

The episodes of the popular Channel 4 programme will look at the investigation into the murder of Sam Mechelewski on January 31 2018.

Sam was stabbed and assaulted with a baseball bat. His body, which was later found to have more than 20 separate injuries, was discovered by a dog walker the following day.

A complex investigation ensued which would consume much of the working lives of many in the Major Crime Unit for a year.

Cambs Times: DCI Adam Gallop. The murder investigation of Sam Mechelewski – which saw Jordan Shepherd of Chatteris convicted – is to feature in a two-part special of the 24 Hours in Police Custody TV show on Channel 4. Picture: Supplied/Cambs CopsDCI Adam Gallop. The murder investigation of Sam Mechelewski – which saw Jordan Shepherd of Chatteris convicted – is to feature in a two-part special of the 24 Hours in Police Custody TV show on Channel 4. Picture: Supplied/Cambs Cops (Image: Supplied/Cambs Cops)

There were no witnesses, no CCTV near the offence and little by way of forensics to put anyone at the scene.

Despite extensive searches of the park, including by specialist diving teams, the knife used to stab the 20-year-old multiple times was never found, nor was his mobile phone.

Sam had been involved in drug dealing - particularly cannabis - with a notebook found at the scene linking him to Jordan Shepherd, 25, and Ashley White, 22.

Cambs Times: DC Kevin Hill. The murder investigation of Sam Mechelewski – which saw Jordan Shepherd of Chatteris convicted – is to feature in a two-part special of the 24 Hours in Police Custody TV show on Channel 4. Picture: Supplied/Cambs CopsDC Kevin Hill. The murder investigation of Sam Mechelewski – which saw Jordan Shepherd of Chatteris convicted – is to feature in a two-part special of the 24 Hours in Police Custody TV show on Channel 4. Picture: Supplied/Cambs Cops (Image: Supplied/Cambs Cops)

They stabbed him to the throat and neck and assaulted him with a baseball bat. Sam's body, which was later found to have more than 20 separate injuries, was discovered by a dog walker at 1.30pm the following day.

Examination of Sam's mobile phone also revealed he regularly stayed with Shepherd at a property in Mayfly Close, Chatteris.

In January 2019, a year on from Sam's death, and after an eight-week trial, including six days of jury deliberations, both were found guilty of his murder and sentenced to life in prison.

Cambs Times: The murder investigation of Sam Mechelewski – which saw Jordan Shepherd of Chatteris (pictured) convicted – is to feature in a two-part special of the 24 Hours in Police Custody TV show on Channel 4. Picture: Supplied/Cambs CopsThe murder investigation of Sam Mechelewski – which saw Jordan Shepherd of Chatteris (pictured) convicted – is to feature in a two-part special of the 24 Hours in Police Custody TV show on Channel 4. Picture: Supplied/Cambs Cops (Image: Supplied/Cambs Cops)

Shepherd, of Mayfly Close, Chatteris, will serve a minimum of 28 years and six months and White, of West End, Brampton, 29 years.

Detective Chief Inspector Adam Gallop said: "This is a powerful programme, depicting an incredibly challenging investigation into an extraordinary crime which was motivated by the cannabis market.

"Jordan Shepherd and Ashley White are dangerous young men, with the proven propensity to commit significant and devastating acts of violence. In the process they have ruined their own lives.

Cambs Times: Det Sgt Graham McMillan. The murder investigation of Sam Mechelewski – which saw Jordan Shepherd of Chatteris convicted – is to feature in a two-part special of the 24 Hours in Police Custody TV show on Channel 4. Picture: Supplied/Cambs CopsDet Sgt Graham McMillan. The murder investigation of Sam Mechelewski – which saw Jordan Shepherd of Chatteris convicted – is to feature in a two-part special of the 24 Hours in Police Custody TV show on Channel 4. Picture: Supplied/Cambs Cops (Image: Supplied/Cambs Cops)

"Many witnesses, some friends of Sam and some not, courageously came forward, for which I and Sam's family are truly grateful.

"Those witnesses, many of them young people should be very proud of what they have done.

"Some witnesses did not engage with the investigation, possibly through fear, or through some sense of loyalty to the murderers, others were very challenging to engage with as their minds and memories were ruined by drug abuse.

Cambs Times: Ashley White. The murder investigation of Sam Mechelewski – which saw Jordan Shepherd of Chatteris convicted – is to feature in a two-part special of the 24 Hours in Police Custody TV show on Channel 4. Picture: Supplied/Cambs CopsAshley White. The murder investigation of Sam Mechelewski – which saw Jordan Shepherd of Chatteris convicted – is to feature in a two-part special of the 24 Hours in Police Custody TV show on Channel 4. Picture: Supplied/Cambs Cops (Image: Archant)

"Through all these challenges Sam's family remained dignified, determined and patient and were an inspiration for me and the team of officers committed to this investigation. Our deepest sympathies continue to go to them following this tragedy."

24 Hours in Police Custody: Murder in the woods will be shown on Channel 4 at 9pm on Monday (January 6) and Tuesday.

Cambs Times: DCI Adam Gallop. The murder investigation of Sam Mechelewski – which saw Jordan Shepherd of Chatteris convicted – is to feature in a two-part special of the 24 Hours in Police Custody TV show on Channel 4. Picture: Supplied/Cambs CopsDCI Adam Gallop. The murder investigation of Sam Mechelewski – which saw Jordan Shepherd of Chatteris convicted – is to feature in a two-part special of the 24 Hours in Police Custody TV show on Channel 4. Picture: Supplied/Cambs Cops (Image: Supplied/Cambs Cops)