Breakthrough in 41-year-old Aberdeen taxi murder case

Image credit: Police Scotland

Police investigating the murder of Aberdeen taxi driver George Murdoch, 41 years ago, have revealed a significant development in the case.

George Murdoch, 58, was brutally murdered on the evening of 29 September 1983 while turning into Pitfodels Station Road. A cheese wire was used in the fatal attack. For decades, no one has been arrested in connection with the crime, leaving the case unsolved.

Last year, Police Scotland announced that advancements in forensic science had led to the discovery of a DNA profile from the crime scene. Today, it was confirmed that this profile has been further enhanced, enabling officers to search for anyone genetically related to the DNA, through a process called familial DNA searching.

Familial DNA analysis allows investigators to examine the National DNA Database for potential close relatives of the person linked to the crime. This technology works on the principle that family members share identifiable aspects of their DNA.

In collaboration with the National Crime Agency, officers have now compiled an initial list of 200 possible genetic matches. They will begin contacting these individuals to explore any potential family connections to the DNA sample found at the scene.

The investigation is ongoing, with officers also continuing to appeal for information about a man seen wearing an Iron Maiden t-shirt at Wilson’s Sports Bar in Aberdeen in 2015.

The case remains open, and the Major Investigation Team is actively pursuing all leads. Despite the time passed, the search for answers continues for the man known affectionately as ‘Dod’ by those close to him.

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.”

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.”