Police have found new DNA evidence in the Brian McKandie murder hunt – and could do a mass screening to finally track down his killer.
Retired mechanic Mr McKandie was found battered to death at his home, near Rothienorman, nearly six months ago.
And yesterday, police revealed a meticulous examination of the 67-year-old’s cottage has turned up fresh forensic evidence which could finally bring his killer to justice.
Detective Chief Inspector Iain Smith, who is leading the investigation, said this could lead to a mass screening of people in the area likely to fit the DNA profile.
The exercise involves setting a parameter for an area, and taking DNA of everybody within it who is the right sex or age.
First however, officers will continuing working their way through the database of those they have spoken to so far in the investigation – including some of the 974 witnesses who have given statements.
Meanwhile, Mr McKandie’s brother William made a fresh appeal for anyone who knows what happened on March 11 to come forward.
He said: “It has been almost six months since Brian was murdered, it has been incredibly difficult without him especially given the circumstances in which he died.
“We would like to directly appeal to the public and in particular to those who knew Brian to contact the police.
“A small piece of information which may seem irrelevant could make all the difference.
“We have lost our brother and just want to know what happened and why.”
Police will step up their patrols in the Rothienorman area now they have concluded their investigations at Mr McKandie’s home at Badenscoth.
An incident van will remain at Fairview Cottages if anyone wishes to come forward with information on his death.
DCI Smith admitted the motive for the popular pensioner’s death remained a “mystery”, but remains hopeful the DNA found will be of “evidential value”.
“We have some DNA profiles that are unidentified at the moment,” he said. “These are checked against Scottish and national-UK databases that are held,” he said.
“We also have a database we are building up from individuals we have spoken to in the last six months. So far we haven’t had a match with any profile that’s held.
“There are still some other methods that we can apply in terms of the DNA profiles, once we’ve exhausted those opportunities we will then consider a mass screening exercise, which will be quite a substantial undertaking.”
Police believe Mr McKandie was killed with a heavy weapon on Friday, March 11 although his body was not discovered until the next day.
A boxy red or burgundy estate – which may be a Volvo – was seen at Mr McKandie’s home on the day he died between 1.30pm and 2pm, which police are still attempting to trace.
Two men seen near his address at the time are also being sought.
One is described as between 40 and 50 years of age, with a heavy build and dark hair.
The other is believed to be aged between 20 and 30 and is described as being thin and with blonde, possibly collar length, hair.
DCI Smith added: “We have noted witness statements from 974 people, despite that level of investigation we still have not uncovered a motive here for Brian McKandie’s death.
“Again the appeal is, is there someone out there that has evidence that may point us in the direction of uncovering what the motive for Brian McKandie’s death was?
“I still believe that there will be an answer, it will be in the local area, whether that is Aberdeenshire or further afield.
“Despite repeated appeals, it’s been six months on now, we’re still identifying new customers of Brian McKandie.”
He said the two men seen visiting Mr McKandie prior to his death could have been there for “business related” reasons, but urged them to come forward.
