Australia Kathleen Durdin, 91, Adelaide, July 2000 *DNA initiative*

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Sept 2 2018
Fingerprint DNA ‘could help solve brutal cold case murder of gran, 91’

Kathleen Durdin was found dead in her home in 2000. Source: police.sa.gov.au
"In the latest incredible breakthrough in DNA technologies, police have confirmed partial prints could hold the key to solving the cold case murder of a grandmother who was viciously beaten to death in her own home.

Kathleen Durdin, 91, was found dead close to her favourite chair in July 2000 at her home in Hamley Bridge, a small rural town north of Adelaide. She was repeatedly struck around the head and was also found with defensive injuries to her arms and hands, as police believe she tried to defend herself from the brutal blows.

The investigation into the horrific murder has remained active ever since, but no murder weapon was ever found and no-one was charged over her death. Now however, South Australia Police have confirmed they’re checking fingerprints found at the scene against criminal databases in New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States, in the hopes of finally creating a full profile of her killer.
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Fingerprint left on grandmother Kathleen Durdin, 91, cold solve her murder in Hamley Bridge home | Daily Mail Online
Police also found a partial palm print at the Gilbert Street property but have yet to find a match.

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Detectives investigating Ms Durdin's murder are now testing fingerprints found at the scene against criminal data bases in New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States

'We have identified a number of people of interest in this case who were either in the area or known to frequent the town on occasions but have not been able to progress the matter any further,' Detective Sgt Horder said.

Ms Durdin had lived in Hamley Bridge for more than 40 years.

Cupboards and drawers at her home were left opened and clothing had been thrown about the house but no cash and jewellery were stolen.

A murder weapon has never been found and a motive for the attack has not been established.

'There was no sign of forced entry at the property and her family does not believe anything was stolen,' Detective Sgt Horder said.

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Cupboards and drawers at Ms Durdin's property were left opened and clothing had been thrown about the home but there was no sign of forced entry

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No cash or jewellery were stolen from Ms Durdin's property and a motive for her murder has yet to be established

'It appears that they were looking for something but we have no idea what that was.'

A $200,000 reward is on offer for information which leads to the conviction of the person responsible for Ms Durdin's brutal death.

'Someone is living with a dark secret but I would remind them that police never stop looking for offenders in cases like this. I would urge them to come forward before we coming knocking on their door,' Detective Sgt Horder said.