George Murdoch: New photo released in appeal to help solve murder of taxi driver in 1983

Cheese wire was used as a garrotte in the attack

Author: Finlay JackPublished 13th Jul 2023

A new photo has been released of a man who may be key to solving the a murder from 1983.

Aberdeen taxi driver George Murdoch was killed on Pitfodels Station Road, just outside of Aberdeen, when he was killed on September 29th, 1983.

Cheese wire was used during the attack, but nearly four decades later, nobody has been arrested.

A fresh appeal to chat with a man in a specific Iron Maiden t-shirt spotted in Wilson's Sports Bar on Crown Street, Aberdeen, was made last year.

READ MORE: Iron Maiden fan could hold the key to solving Aberdeen murder

The appeal was launched on the 39th anniversary of the murder

"It was from the general public, The Facebook page gets quite a number of tips coming in. This came in quite a while back and we were waiting to see what progressed with that," said Alex McKay, the nephew of George Murdoch.

"We thought, maybe it's just about time we up it a little bit and show the image itself.

READ MORE: Family of George Murdoch 'optimistic' killer will be found after other historic cases solved

"I think it's far better than just a photo of a t-shirt. It's a shame that it is just the torso and the person's face or chin, more than anything.

McKay has led a social media campaign in search of more information on his uncle's murder.

'It just takes one piece of information'

McKay has always remained optimistic that the case will be solved, and still thinks they're just one tip away.

"It's reached over 90,000 as we speak. When you get that, you think 'well that's going to quite a number of people so there might be something on that'".

"But also, it might prompt somebody to come in with some other information, not related to the Iron Maiden t-shirt.

"It just takes one piece of information to come in, or else several pieces that the police can put together.

"We have our little ups and downs but then we get buoyed with the general public who are very, very interested in this case.

"I still remain adamant that this case will be solved."

Police urge people to come forward

Detective Inspector James Callander, from Police Scotland's Major Investigation Team, said:

"Regardless of how much time has passed, we continue receive a positive response from members of the public from all around the world when we appeal for information about this senseless murder.

"Following our appeal last year we now have information about a man we would like to speak to who may be able to assist with information about George’s murder. Hopefully the national television appeal will give us the platform to reach someone who may be able to help us identify this man.

"We continue to receive information about what may have happened to George and any new information we do receive is thoroughly investigated.

"We are urging anyone who has not come forward previously who believes they can assist the investigation to contact 101 or e-mail a dedicated inbox at SCDHOLMESAberdeen@scotland.pnn.police.uk."

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