Victim George Murdoch
Officers investigating the murder of George Murdoch in Aberdeen 41 years ago have announced a significant development in the case.
The 58-year-old taxi driver was murdered as he turned into the Pitfoldels Station Road area of the city on the evening of September, 29, 1983. A cheese wire was used in the attack.
In a public appeal last year, Police Scotland revealed that advancements in forensic science had led to a DNA profile from the scene being identified. Police can now confirm this profile has been further enhanced to allow officers to search for anyone related to the DNA sample, a process known as familial DNA.
This involves a search of the National DNA Database to identify potential close relatives of an individual when their DNA profile is not on the database.
Working with partners at the National Crime Agency, an initial list of 200 possible genetic matches to the profile from the scene have been compiled. Officers will now attempt to contact these people to establish any family link.
Officers continue to seek information to identify a man who was seen wearing an Iron Maiden T-shirt in Wilson’s Sports Bar on Market Street in Aberdeen in 2015.
“This new DNA data is significant and will help take us a step closer to getting justice for Mr, Murdoch’s family,” said Detective Inspector James Callander. “The familial DNA links identified will assist in tracing people who can help with our enquiries. I want to make clear, these individuals are not suspects, but we hope they may be able to help with our ongoing investigation. I would ask everyone to think back to when George was murdered. If you have any concerns at all from around that time, please don’t dismiss them and contact us. The solving of this horrific crime requires the help of the public. I would urge anyone with information to please come forward. We want to give George’s family some much needed closure.”
Noone has ever been arrested in connection with Murdoch’s murder, who was affectionately known as “Dod” by loved ones.
In a statement, Murdoch’s family said: “This latest development with the familial DNA is a huge leap forward and we thank the police for their continued endeavor in getting to this stage. It is very encouraging and refreshes our hope that we can finally identify who is responsible for Dod’s murder.”
Police Scotland can e-mailed through the dedicated inbox: [email protected].
Republished courtesy of Police Scotland.