New DNA samples to be sought in Nairn murder inquiry

Through an article tonight in the Inverness Courier website I am alerted to a Press Release (dated 8JUN07) on the Northern Constabulary website about letters being sent to 'a large number of men asking them for a voluntary DNA sample as part of the investigation into the murder of Nairn banker Alistair Wilson'.

As is mentioned in the new Press Release, an earlier round of DNA sampling, from witnesses known to have been in the area at the time of the murder, was carried out in February 2005 and it seems eliminated all but one of the 19 DNA profiles identified at the crime scene in Crescent Road. The aim of the latest effort is to identify the remaining DNA profile. DCI Peter MacPhee, the man leading the murder inquiry, said:

"Obviously we are looking to identify this one remaining profile and using the names from the HOLMES (Home Office Large Major Enquiry System) database, we wish to extend the previous DNA screening with a view to eliminating this final profile. Letters will be sent to selected male members of the public inviting them to attend specific premises to give a DNA sample, which will be checked against the outstanding profile. Once checked the volunteer will be informed his sample has been eliminated, within four weeks of providing it. The sampling process, which consists of a swab being taken from the mouth, is totally pain free and should take no longer than 15 minutes. This whole exercise is geared towards identifying this profile and eliminating it from the inquiry. I am hoping that I will receive the same level of support from the public that has been evident throughout this difficult investigation."

My most recent previous article on the murder is here. There are links to all my posts on this murder, so close to where I live, in the right-hand column under the heading 'Murder in Nairn' articles.
(It is good to see that, although the murder inquiry has now been scaled back, it has not been put entirely on the 'back burner' and that there is at least some continuing activity; time will tell how worthwhile this proves.)