Police re-appeal over Brian McKandie murder

Officers investigating the murder of Brian McKandie in Rothienorman have again appealed for anyone with information that may assist to get in touch.

Published 3rd Jun 2016

Officers investigating the murder of Brian McKandie in Rothienorman have again appealed for anyone with information that may assist to get in touch. Mr McKandie was attacked at his home at Fairview Cottages, Badenscoth, Rothienorman, on Friday 11 or Saturday 12 March 2016 and was found dead there on the Saturday. Detective Chief Inspector Iain Smith said: "We are now almost three months on from when Mr McKandie was murdered and we would like to repeat our appeals to the public for assistance. "House to house enquiries are almost concluded with over one thousand people seen who live within a few miles of Mr McKandie's home.

"Sightings of various makes and models of vehicles have been reported along with descriptions of drivers and callers to Mr McKandie's address on Friday 11th and Saturday 12th March 2016 and investigations continue to identify the individuals concerned but a number remain unidentified. There is some consistency among some witnesses throughout Friday 11th March 2016 of two males seen speaking to deceased at his address, who are broadly described as :-

"Male 1 - older, possibly 30-50 years old, heavy build

"Male 2 - younger, possibly 20-30 years old, much thinner build

"Also there is some consistency among some witnesses throughout Friday 11th March 2016 of a burgundy or maroon coloured 'boxy' estate car at the locus, with one of these witnesses describing it having a different shade on the rear passenger side panel.

"These two males and the car remain unidentified, as do a number of other persons who may have attended at the address to speak to Mr McKandie.

"It is believed that Mr McKandie may have known his attacker through either friendship, business or through a third party he has been introduced to. A large customer base that used Mr McKandie's services as a mechanic has been identified during the enquiry, but we believe others have not come forward to date.

"We are appealing to trace people who fall into the following categories:-

1 - Anyone who was a customer, friend or acquaintance of Mr McKandie's and have not been seen by the enquiry team. Mr McKandie was a very private individual, so any information about him will greatly assist the investigation.

2 - Anyone who attended at Mr McKandie address on Friday 11th or Saturday 12th March 2016 and in particular anyone who may be able to identify the two males as described.

3 - Anyone who has information or concerns about the behaviour, or changes in behaviour, of anyone who may be linked to the investigation.

4 - Anyone who has any information which may assist in identifying anyone bearing malice towards Mr McKandie.

"Whilst they may not necessarily think it is beneficial or relevant to the investigation, please report it and let us make that judgement."