Homicide hotline ringing red hot after DNA found

A hotline for information on the Kevin O'Loughlin homicide case has been "ringing red hot" since Nelson police announced yesterday they have a DNA profile for his killer.

Mr O'Loughlin was bashed around the head and stabbed repeatedly in the early hours of May 3, 1993 in Nelson. His body was found lying face down near a carpark after last being seen leaving Horatios Nightclub about 3am.

At least one person has come forward asking to give a DNA sample so he can be eliminated from the 12-year old inquiry.

Police have started collecting bodily fluid samples from suspects, looking for a DNA match to the killer's profile, which was formed through advances in DNA technology.

Detective Sergeant Mark Kaveney of Nelson police said today there had been a terrific public response since a toll free hotline and internet site had been set up for people to come forward with information on the case.

"The phone is ringing red hot, and we've had a large amount of hits on the website," Mr Kaveney said.

The new head of Operation Kevin, Detective Senior Sergeant Steve Wood, said an Invercargill man who was questioned in Nelson at the time of Mr O'Loughlin's death asked police to take a blood sample from him -- something police would do.

Other people had called to leave information they had heard in recent years about the killing.

Mr O'Loughlin's killing has for years puzzled police, who have no witnesses to the stabbing, no murder weapon -- though they know a knife was used -- and no motive.

However, the DNA profile -- gained after resubmitting blood samples and exhibits from the scene for testing -- could give police the break they need to find the killer.

Police have revealed little about the profile, other than that it is a man, and to confirm that it suggests only one person killed Mr O'Loughlin.

Mr Kaveney would not say today whether police had checked the national DNA databank or tested prisoners for DNA matches.

The helpline for the case is 0800 Help Kevin (0800 435 735) or www.police.govt.nz -- click on 'operations'.

- NZPA