STV NewsPolice investigating Scotland’s notorious unsolved ‘Cheese Wire’ murder have narrowed the hunt for the killer down to 200 possible genetic matches.
Taxi driver George Murdoch, known affectionately by his family as ‘Dod’. was found dead beside his vehicle in Aberdeen on September 29, 1983, with a cheese wire garrotte lying nearby.
A major investigation was launched including a £50,000 reward to catch George’s killer, however no one has ever been arrested in connection with his death more than 40 years on.
Last year, police said advancements in forensic analysis had led to a DNA profile from the scene being identified.
In what has been described as a “significant development” in the case, the DNA profile has now been further enhanced to allow officers to search for anyone related to the sample, known as familial DNA.
Police added that working in conjunction with the National Crime Agency, an initial list of 200 possible genetic matches to the profile from the scene has been compiled.
Officers will now try to contact people from the list to establish any family link to the profile found at the scene of George’s murder.
The development comes ahead of the 41st anniversary of the killing on Sunday.
Officers are also continuing the search 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, which was the subject of a public appeal last year.
Police ScotlandIn a statement, Mr Murdoch’s family said: “This latest development with the familial DNA is a huge leap forward and we thank the police for their continued endeavour 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.”
Detective Inspector James Callander said: “This new DNA data is significant and will help take us a step closer to getting justice for Mr Murdoch’s family.
“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.”
Police Scotland can be contacted via 101 or emailed through a dedicated inbox at SCDHOLMESAberdeen@scotland.pnn.police.uk.
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