Police are using DNA to try to solve the 1980 murder of six-year-old Alicia O'Reilly, who was killed at her Avondale home. Photo: Photo by ANIRUDH on Unsplash
Warning: this story discusses the murder and assault of a child.
Police have announced they are continuing to examine new evidence and to use a forensic tool in the hopes of solving the murder of six-year-old Alicia O'Reilly, who was killed in Auckland 45 years ago.
A police statement on Saturday said O'Reilly was raped and was killed at her Canal Road home in the suburb of Avondale, early on 16 August 1980. At this stage nobody has been convicted for her death.
O'Reilly's case was reopened in 2020 and the investigation dubbed Operation Sturbridge.
In a statement, Detective Inspector Scott Beard said on Saturday that a DNA sample had been obtained which police hope could provide leads.
Police are also working with a new technology, trailing an Investigative Genetic Genealogy tool, he said.
"This is a slow process, and we are working carefully through this trial.
"Modern scientific technology continues to advance, and we are working very closely with PHF Science to try and establish a DNA link to a potential offender."
Alicia O'Reilly was murdered in 1980, when she was just six years old. Photo: Supplied/New Zealand Herald
Experts from the Behavioural Science Unit are also contributing to the investigation, Beard said.
"Part of the investigation is looking at reviewing every person who was considered a person of interest back in 1980, whether they were eliminated or not - even those who may have passed away."
Beard said police still had hope the investigation would yield answers and a resolution.
"We would dearly like to give Alicia's family the answers they so deeply deserve after all this time," he said.
"My thoughts are with them today especially ... They continue to suffer from not knowing who is responsible for this crime."
He urged anyone with knowledge about what happened to come forward: "Even after all these years, if there is someone out there who has any knowledge as to who was involved ... Police want to hear from you - it's not too late."
Where to get help:
- Need to Talk? Free call or text 1737 any time to speak to a trained counsellor, for any reason
- Lifeline: 0800 543 354 or text HELP to 4357
- Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 / 0508 TAUTOKO. This is a service for people who may be thinking about suicide, or those who are concerned about family or friends
- Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757 or text 4202
- Samaritans: 0800 726 666
- Youthline: 0800 376 633 or text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz
- What's Up: 0800 WHATSUP / 0800 9428 787. This is free counselling for 5 to 19-year-olds
- Asian Family Services: 0800 862 342 or text 832. Languages spoken: Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Vietnamese, Thai, Japanese, Hindi, and English.
- Rural Support Trust Helpline: 0800 787 254
- Healthline: 0800 611 116
- Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155
- OUTLine: 0800 688 5463
- Aoake te Rā bereaved by suicide service: or call 0800 000 053
If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.
Sexual Violence
- NZ Police.
- Victim Support 0800 842 846.
- Rape Crisis: 0800 88 33 00.
- Rape Prevention Education.
- Empowerment Trust.
- HELP (Auckland): 09 623 1700, (Wellington): 04 801 6655.
- Safe to talk: 0800 044 334.
- Tautoko Tāne Male Survivors Aotearoa.
- Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) 022 344 0496.
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