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Who killed Kathleen Durdin?

Posted on 03/09/2018

Who would bash a 91-year-old woman repeatedly in the head, not only killing her but causing defensive injuries to her arms and hands as she tried to protect herself from the blows?

That is the terrible unanswered question in the murder of Kathleen Durdin.

The well-presented, independent woman, who was well-known in Hamley Bridge – the town she had lived in for more than 40 years – was killed in her Gilbert Street home in July 2000.

A recent full case review has led to items recovered from her home being retested for DNA, while fingerprints from the crime scene are also being checked against criminal data bases in New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States.

A fingerprint and partial palm print found at the property are considered critical evidence, but despite checking dozens of people, no match has been found to date.

A number of people of interest have been identified who were either in the area or known to frequent the town on occasions.

The murder weapon has also never been located and there is no clear the motive for the murder.

Cupboards and drawers at the home were opened, with property and clothing strewn about the floor, but cash and jewellery were left behind by the offender.

The victim was found close to her favourite chair by a relative who attended at the address at the request of a Meals on Wheels’ volunteer who was unable to raise Mrs Durdin about 1.30pm on Wednesday 26 July, with no no sign of forced entry.

Anyone with information that might assist police in connection with the murder of Mrs Durdin should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au

A $200,000 reward is on offer for information leading to the apprehension and conviction of the person responsible for her death.




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