New familial DNA could help identify killer of George Murdoch in Aberdeen, 1983
Officers investigating the murder of George Murdoch in Aberdeen 41 years ago have today 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 Thursday, 29 September, 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.
We can now confirm this profile has been further enhanced to allow officers to search for anyone related to the DNA sample, 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.
Familial DNA searching is based upon the principle that DNA is inherited and all members of a family share certain aspects of their DNA. Children share half their DNA from their father and half with their mother. The extent to which siblings share their DNA is variable, but they will tend to share more DNA than unrelated people.
Familial DNA searching is based upon the principle that DNA is inherited and all members of a family share certain aspects of their DNA. Children share half their DNA from their father and half with their mother. The extent to which siblings share their DNA is variable, but they will tend to share more DNA than unrelated people.
Working with our partners at the National Crime Agency, an initial list of 200 possible genetic matches to the profile from the scene has 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.
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.”
No-one has ever been arrested in connection with Mr Murdoch’s murder, who was affectionately known as ‘Dod’ by loved ones, and Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team continue to investigate the case.
In a statement, his 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.”
Police Scotland can be contacted via 101 or e-mailed through our dedicated inbox at SCDHOLMESAberdeen@scotland.pnn.police.uk.
