SYDNEY, Australia (AP) – Police searching for the killer of a British backpacker started DNA testing Monday of men living near the spot where the young traveler’s body was found.
The voluntary tests are the latest move in the investigation into the killing of Caroline Stuttle, a 19-year-old tourist who police believe was attacked and then thrown off a bridge on April 10 in the eastern Australian town of Bundaberg.
“We have had in excess of 30 men come forward and supply samples this morning. We anticipate we will get more later in the day and the following days we have arranged for people to come in,” said Inspector Jeff Oliphant, the officer leading the investigation.
Police expect about 100 men to give DNA samples, which are taken with a mouth swab.
“The Bundaberg people have been very cooperative and very supportive of the police during this investigation,” Oliphant said.
Stuttle’s body was found under a 9-meter (30-foot) high bridge in the farming town 350 kilometers (220 miles) north of Queensland state capital, Brisbane. Some of her belongings were missing and police believe she was killed after being robbed.
