Brenda Page’s family say it is “fitting” that DNA played a part in finally catching the man responsible for the genetic scientist’s murder.
Dr Page was brutally slain by her ex-husband Christopher ‘Kit’ Harrisson in 1978 at her flat on Allan Street.
After a long, long wait for justice, Brenda’s surviving family and friends have finally seen her remorseless killer found guilty and put behind bars.
The family of Brenda, who was the principal of the genetics department at Aberdeen University, have said it’s “pertinent and fitting” that DNA played a part in convicting her murderer.
Speaking outside the High Court in Aberdeen at the conclusion of the historic trial, Detective Inspector Gary Winter said: “Brenda was never forgotten and hope remained that one day her murderer would face the consequences of his actions.
“For Brenda’s family, colleagues, friends and everyone who has worked on this case over many years, that day is finally here.
“Various improvements in available evidence since 1978 allowed the investigation to progress to trial.
“Part of this is down to a better understanding of domestic abuse and abusive relationships which has helped us highlight what Brenda went through over many years.
“I would like to thank all those who have assisted with our investigation and in particular those who helped at the time of the murder and the friends and colleagues we revisited during our most recent investigation, many of whom have sadly passed away.”
DI Winter also thanked the forensic scientists who have worked on the case over the decades.
He added: “Brenda’s family and colleagues have commented upon how pertinent and fitting it is that DNA has played a part in solving her murder given her research work in the 1970s as a genetic scientist.
“A special thanks to many within the COPFS too including the Cold and Complex team at the Homicide Unit through to Advocate Depute and Crown Counsel Alex Prentice KC for taking the case to trial.
“Police Scotland ensures that time is no barrier to justice – unresolved and undetected murder cases are never closed in Scotland.
“The investigation of homicides is an area where the national police service has driven high standards of investigation and compassion.
“The ability to respond professionally and thoroughly, and provide answers for families, is a core duty of policing.”
‘Respect towards Brenda and our family will always be remembered’
Dr Page’s death had been one of Scotland’s most famous unsolved murders and one of its longest-running murder investigations.
The investigation into the murder of Dr Page has been subject to ongoing reviews over the past four decades, culminating in a final re-investigation in 2015 by MIT North.
Modern investigative and forensic techniques were considered and applied where appropriate
Speaking on behalf of the family outside court, Brenda’s nephew Chris Ling said: “We extend our sincerest thanks to Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team in Aberdeen and Crown Counsel and COPFS for keeping Brenda’s case open and tirelessly pursuing the justice today has brought.
“Their respect towards Brenda and our family will always be remembered.
“Also to the many witnesses who have helped Brenda get justice today, we appreciate the stress and anxiety this process must have caused over the many years, especially giving evidence.
“Our heartfelt thanks go to each and every one.”
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