Detectives in Aberdeen investigating one of Scotland’s most notorious cold cases – the brutal cheese wire murder of taxi driver George Murdoch – are “more confident than ever” in catching the killer. The case, which has remained unsolved for over 40 years, could be close to a breakthrough with the use of advanced DNA techniques.
Familial DNA, the same cutting-edge method that caught the infamous Golden State Killer in the USA, has provided investigators with a new lead in the so-called “Cheese Wire Murder” of 1983.
George Murdoch was viciously killed on September 29, 1983, when a cheese wire was used to strangle him in his taxi. Now, with DNA enhancements revealing potential family links to the killer, police are appealing to the public for any information that could help them close the case once and for all.
Detective Inspector James Callender, who has been heading the investigation, explained the major breakthrough on the BBC’s Crimewatch: “Last year we released information that we held a DNA profile from the scene that we believed to be that of the killer.
“Enhancements in DNA have allowed us to identify 200 possible genetic links, commonly known as familial DNA. We are currently in the process of contacting all of these people to establish if there is a family link.
“I want to stress that these individuals are not suspects but they may have a family link to the DNA profile that we have.”
The technique, which was crucial in catching the Golden State Killer in 2018, involves comparing a partial DNA match to samples from relatives who may already be in the national database. In Murdoch’s case, the DNA link could be tied to one of the 200 individuals being contacted by police.
“Cases such as this are never closed,” DI Callender continued. “We are always looking for advancements in forensics, and this is true in this case with regards to familial DNA.
“I am more confident than ever that we can successfully close this case but we need the public’s help.”
The call for information comes after a crucial tip was received about a possible key witness. DI Callender said: “A person came forward saying they had been in a pub called Wilson’s Sports Bar on Market Street on September 26, 2015 – three days prior to the anniversary date of the murder.
“This gentleman was with a group of people, and one of them was wearing an Iron Maiden t-shirt. We believe this person may have significant information that could help with this case.”
The Iron Maiden shirt is believed to be from their Final Frontier tour to Germany in 2010 or 2011, and police are urging anyone who remembers the individual to come forward. “This was nine years ago, and we are still trying to identify this individual. They could hold key information to solve the case.”
The brutality of the murder has left the family of George Murdoch in anguish for decades. His nephew, Alex Mackay, described the shock the family has lived with: “It was very brutal. To carry a cheese wire with them takes a very callous individual.”
For the Murdoch family, the passage of time has not lessened the pain. George’s wife, Jessie, passed away without ever knowing who killed her husband. DI Callender emphasised the weight of the case on the family: “Neither the police nor the family have given up hope in getting justice served. George’s wife Jessie died never knowing who killed her husband. It has been an unimaginable burden for the family for such a long time.”
The public is being asked to help with any details, no matter how small. DI Callender stressed the importance of cooperation: “If you get a knock at the door in relation to this case, those we contact are not suspects but they may have a family connection. We are looking to rule people out in the inquiry, and hopefully, the public can assist us in the next phase of the investigation.”
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