Scottish police are using family DNA to solve the 1983 murder

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 on the evening of September 29, 1983 as he turned into Pitfoldels Station Road. A wire rope was used in the attack.

In a public appeal last year, Police Scotland revealed that advances in forensic science had led to the identification of a DNA profile from the crime scene. Police can now confirm that this profile has been further enhanced to allow officers to search for people linked to the DNA sample, a process known as familial DNA.

This involves searching the national DNA database to identify potential close relatives of a person whose DNA profile is not included in the database.

Working with partners at the National Crime Agency, an initial list of 200 possible genetic matches to the crime scene profile was compiled. Officers will now attempt to contact these individuals to establish any family connections.

Officers continue to seek information to identify a man who was seen wearing an Iron Maiden T-shirt at Wilson's Sports Bar on Market Street in Aberdeen in 2015.

“This new DNA data is significant and will help us move one step closer to finding Mr Murdoch’s family,” said Detective Inspector James Callander. “The identified familial DNA links will help us locate individuals who can assist in our investigation. I would like to make it clear that these individuals are not suspects, but we hope they can assist us in our ongoing investigation. I would like to ask everyone to think back to the time when George was murdered. If you have any concerns during this time, please do not dismiss them and contact us. Solving this terrible crime requires the public's help. I would ask anyone with information to come forward. We want to give George’s family some much-needed closure.”

No one has ever been arrested in connection with the murder of Murdoch, who was affectionately known as “Dod” by his family.

In a statement, Murdoch's family said: “This latest development with familial DNA is a major step forward and we thank the police for their continued efforts to reach this stage.” It is very encouraging and reinforces our hope that we can finally find out who is responsible for Dod’s murder.”

Police Scotland can send the following emails via the dedicated inbox: [email protected].

Republished with kind permission of Police Scotland.