DNA breakthrough for police investigating 1983 ‘cheese wire’ murder
George Murdoch was attacked while working as a taxi driver near Aberdeen.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Police investigating the “cheese wire” murder of a taxi driver 40 years ago have made a DNA breakthrough that could help in their hunt for the killer.
George Murdoch, 58, was attacked on the evening of September 29 in 1983 after telling his control room he was heading to Culter.
He turned on to Pitfodels Station Road, on the outskirts of Aberdeen near the Deeside railway line, where he was attacked around 8.45pm and later died.
A cheese wire was used in the attack.
We are hopeful this DNA evidence will allow us to progress this enquiry for George’s family
Police said that advancements in forensic analysis have now enabled a DNA profile to be identified which will help officers with their investigation.
There have been no arrests in connection with the murder of Mr Murdoch, known as Dod, and police continue to appeal for information.
Speaking on the 40-year anniversary, Detective Inspector James Callander said: “We have identified a DNA profile which may assist our ongoing inquiries.
“I would ask everyone to think back to the time George was murdered and if you have any information or concerns from around that time, please don’t dismiss it, and contact us.
“We are hopeful this DNA evidence will allow us to progress this enquiry for George’s family.”
Forty years is a long time to go without all of the answers to what happened to him, but it’s never too late to see justice served and we urge anyone with any information that could assist the investigation, no matter what it is, to contact police
Following a public appeal last year, detectives are still seeking 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.
Police Scotland’s major investigation team continue to review the case.
Mr Murdoch’s family urged anyone with information to contact police.
In a statement issued through police they said: “Our family was rocked by what happened to Dod and it continues to affect us today.
“Forty years is a long time to go without all of the answers to what happened to him, but it’s never too late to see justice served and we urge anyone with any information that could assist the investigation, no matter what it is, to contact police.
“Dod was a gentle, likeable and kind-hearted man, who usually had a smile on his face. We all miss him terribly and hope for some closure.”
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.