Strathclyde Police Reopens 38 Unsolved Cases, Including Murders of Prostitutes and Businessman

Strategic Insights -

Strathclyde Police has established a new cold case squad to reinvestigate 38 unsolved crimes, including the murders of two prostitutes and a businessman, dating back to 1968. The team of detectives, led by Detective Superintendent Kenny Watters, will use modern investigative methods and DNA analysis to review the cases, which include the infamous Bible John killings. Laboratory tests have already begun on some of the crimes, and the squad is also re-examining high-profile cases such as the "ice-cream war" murders, where two men served 18 years before their convictions were ruled unsafe.

Key Takeaways:

  • The new cold case squad will review 38 unsolved crimes, including the murders of two prostitutes, Tracey Wylde and Diane McInally, and a businessman, Alexander Blue.
  • The cases date back to 1968, with the infamous Bible John killings, and include recent crimes such as the murder of Martin Toner in Langbank, Renfrewshire.
  • Detective Superintendent Kenny Watters believes that a combination of DNA analysis and modern investigative methods will help solve the cases.
  • The squad will work with forensics experts and psychologists to decide which cases contain sufficient evidence to be reopened.
  • The unit may review cases with not proven verdicts, but Watters warned that the public and families should not have unrealistic expectations.

Statistics:

  • 38 unsolved crimes will be reinvestigated by the new cold case squad.
  • The cases date back to 1968, with the infamous Bible John killings.
  • 14 of the cases are murders, including the killings of two prostitutes and a businessman.
  • 24 of the cases are unresolved crimes that have been submitted to the courts but failed to lead to convictions.
  • The unit expects the list to increase "slightly" as they review additional cases.

Sources:

  • The Herald (Scotland)
  • BBC News Scotland
  • The Times (UK)