Appeal for Information Aberdeen Taxi Driver Murder 1983 - George Murdoch

Appeal for Information Aberdeen Taxi Driver Murder 1983 - George Murdoch About 8 pm on 29/09/1983, a local taxi driver picked up a fare from the New Marcliffe Hotel on Queen

INFORMATION APPEAL - ABERDEEN TAXI DRIVER MURDER 1983
THE KILLER HAS NEVER BEEN FOUND.......DO YOU HAVE ANY NEW INFORMATION TO SOLVE THE CASE?

⦁ DO YOU KNOW WHO DID THIS?
⦁ DO YOU KNOW WHAT HAPPENED?
⦁ DO YOU KNOW WHY THIS HAPPENED?
⦁ DO YOU HAVE ANY NEW INFORMATION? Police Scotland, formally Grampian Police, have carried out various enquiries over the years. There is currently an ongoing review being carried out by the Major Investigation Team, Aberdeen and if you have any information you wish to pass to the enquiry team please call 101.

STANDING TOGETHER WITH ABERDEEN F.C. TO REMEMBER GEORGE MURDOCHNext week marks the 43rd  anniversary of the still, as ye...
26/09/2026

STANDING TOGETHER WITH ABERDEEN F.C. TO REMEMBER GEORGE MURDOCH

Next week marks the 43rd anniversary of the still, as yet, unsolved murder of taxi driver, George Murdoch on 29th September 1983. Alex and I have been focusing on finding fresh paths which hopefully will bring forth those elusive answers, allowing police to finally bring closure to this case.

This year, we are incredibly proud and grateful to announce that we have joined forces with Aberdeen Football Club. We recently reached out to the Club, and their media team welcomed us warmly and sincerely with open arms. We extend our most grateful thanks to them. To honour Dod's memory and support our local community, Alex and I have chosen to make a donation to the AFC Community Trust Fund.

In return, the club is dedicating a comprehensive feature in the upcoming issue of the Red Matchday programme for the Aberdeen v St Johnstone game on Sunday, 11th October.

The feature will cover the following:
THE FULL STORY: Looking back at the events of Thursday, 29 September 1983. The devastating toll this tragedy took on Dod's late wife, Jessie, who sadly passed away without ever seeing justice.
THE INVESTIGATION AS IT STANDS TODAY: An update on Police Scotland's ongoing hunt for the killer.
THE £50,000 REWARD : Details on the current reward and how the public can reach out to us or the police with info.

Over the next few weeks, we shall be sharing more details about this venture—including some very special prizes that will be available on match day.

For now, please help us spread the word. That is crucial. If you know anything, or have always held strong suspicions as to who the culprit may be (whether he is now dead, or still alive) please share with us or the police. One piece of crucial information might finally lead to that £50K reward being paid out, the closure of this heart-breaking case and most importantly of all, allow George to rest in peace for all eternity.

Alex and I appreciate your long-standing loyalty and support in this case. Aberdonians and indeed, all our followers and all who have helped so far, have demonstrated that they have big hearts. Despite whatever is going on in their own lives, they still take time to help and show a sincere willingness to see this case solved. You have our deepest gratitude. This was a particularly gruesome murder committed against an innocent and kindly man - strangled at the hands of his psychopathic killer. There should never be a place for such an individual in our society, nor should he be protected nor shielded by others.

NOTHING STAYS BURIED FOREVERStuart Patterson, a journalist with The Sun, reached out to us a while back.  He was interes...
18/07/2026

NOTHING STAYS BURIED FOREVER

Stuart Patterson, a journalist with The Sun, reached out to us a while back. He was interested in running an update about George's murder. It is now available and can be viewed in The Sun Club - a paid digital membership program for the UK's The Sun newspaper. Their premier stories are behind a paywall. However, if you are not a member, included below, is a copy of the article. Over the past several months, we've seen considerable additional interest in this case. So, coming at this time, this article helps greatly. giving an updated, overall review of where we are now, for those who may not be too familiar with this tragic murder case.

N.B. Our sincere thanks Stuart for your interest in this unsolved case and your respectful and caring approach when writing this article. As we continue the fight to secure justice for George, your thoughtfulness and help means a great deal.

For those who are members of The Sun Club, here is the link:-

https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/news/16285602/cheese-wire-killer-cops-aberdeen-breakthrough-george-murdoch/

HIDING IN THE SHADOWS Inside the 43 year hunt for Scotland’s notorious ‘Cheese Wire Killer’ as cops hope for murder mystery breakthrough

THE BLOODY murder of gentle cabbie George Murdoch shocked the nation. A fiend strangled him to death with a cheese wire and then left him to die in a pool of blood next to his taxi.

Cops launched a huge manhunt but more than 40 years on the killer has never been brought to justice. There’s never even been a suspect. But huge leaps forward in technology could mean detectives might finally solve one of Scotland’s longest running murder mysteries.

George’s nephew Alex McKay, 69, said: “What they did was abhorrent. “They have been hiding in the shadows for a long, long time. It would be so nice for them to finally be exposed.
“My wife and I remember that night like it was yesterday. It’s had a huge impact on many people’s lives.”

George, 58, was battered and choked to death after he picked up a fare in Aberdeen on September 29 1983.
His killer garrotted him with a 16 inch cheese wire in the Cults area of the city. Two teenage boys were the only witnesses and stumbled on the horrific attack. They ran to a call box and dialled 999.

But the murderer fled before anyone got to the scene and they’ve been on the loose ever since. Cops believe he helped himself to George’s wallet and takings and that it could have been a robbery gone wrong.A massive investigation got underway at the time. Thousands of men were interviewed as detectives were determined to follow every avenue.

A crew headed to the Don’s next home game at Pittodrie and interviewed everyone with a hand injury. But nothing led them to the “Cheese Wire Killer”.

Detective Inspector James Callander, who’s now in charge of the manhunt, said: “It’s something that you don’t hear of at all now.
“A cheese wire is a deadly weapon. It’s quite a unique murder and brutal at the same time. “The passing of 43 years doesn’t take away from what happened. It’s as brutal today as it was back in 1983. “The family struggle to comprehend the violence used, and quite rightly so.”

After decades of battling to solve the case, cops made a major breakthrough two years ago. They were finally able to make use of a scrap of DNA left behind at the scene by the killer. The details didn’t match anyone on the national database, but the profile has been widened to look for relatives. A list of 200 names has expanded to around 1,000 potential family members around the country. DI Callander and his team have worked through about half of them and it’s thought there is a one in four chance of the technique paying off. He said: “I know we are closer.
“I know we have reduced that haystack which was massive before to maybe just one hay bale now looking for that needle.
“I’ve got to be positive, but the case has been 43 years unsolved for a reason. It’s not easy.” DI Callander is eligible to retire at the end of this year but is considering staying on to try and catch George’s murderer.

Alex and his wife Robina have put up part of a £50,000 reward to anyone who comes forward with information that snares the killer. They’re also offering £10,000 to anyone whose DNA sample leads to the culprit. Alex is desperate for a conclusion for his uncle, known as Dod, before it’s too late. He said: “We’re not obsessed but probably not a day goes by when we don’t speak or talk about this. “Often the dialogue is about what else we can do to get to the right person who will have the one tip that we are looking for. “We’re getting a bit older. None of us know how much longer we’re going to be here for. We want to know why this happened, and who did it.” Alex appealed to anyone who knows the killer to break their decades long vow of silence. He said: “Clear your conscience. Try and put yourself in our position.
“A loved one was taken for no reason other than someone was hellbent on destroying someone’s life. “It’s very strange to be carrying a cheese wire with you. They were out to do some harm that night. “That’s the person you are protecting. What does that make you if you're protecting someone like that?”

If you can help, please send a private FB message to this page OR
Email:- [email protected]
(If you prefer to remain anonymous that wish will be guaranteed)

26/06/2026

BEYOND ROBBERY

Part 2 - Following on from the previous post, dated 18th June'26

WHAT IF.....

£50,000 REWARD FOR INFORMATION LEADING TO KILLER'S IDENTITY

NEW INSIGHT? - While Police Scotland’s "robbery-gone-wrong" theory remains a foundation of this case, looking at the crime scene, from a behavioural point of view reveals a potentially deeper, darker motive. We find it difficult to reconcile to what started out perhaps only as a simple robbery, then escalated to the full horror of the brutality which took place on the night of Thursday 29th Sept 1983. Leaving a man dying, on the rain-soaked pavement, near the top of Pitfodels Station Road, Cults. A quiet, dark, little-known road, close to the main A93, which leads west out of Aberdeen.

Recently, I took part in a Zoom call with the highly respected, experienced Forensic Psychologist, Dr. Hart, to take a closer look at the behavioural evidence of that night. Her insights proved to be very interesting, thought-provoking and challenging.

THE WEAPON: Not an accident, but a choice. The killer carried a cheesewire—a highly unusual, deliberate weapon. Dr. Hart theorised that bringing a garrote suggests pre-planning, control, and a calculating mindset. That does not seem to tie in with a spontaneous robbery.

INTENSE RAGE: The crime scene showed a shocking level of ferocity. According to the psychologist, the sheer violence used, leading to manual strangulation at the end, points to an explosive, rage-fuelled attack. This level of overkill often signals a persistent desire to inflict harm, pain, or suffering on another person. It signifies a hidden, fundamental evil or hostility that is not just a passing feeling of anger, but an unexplainable, and deliberate act of cruelty.

LACK OF EMPATHY: Based on the weapon of choice, the explosive anger, and the cold ex*****on, the forensic psychologist believes the killer exhibited strong psychopathic traits. This wasn't a desperate person making a tragic mistake; it matches the behaviour of a cold, highly dangerous individual.

WHY DOES THIS MATTER NOW: If the killer was a psychopath driven by rage and control, someone, at some time in their life, noticed his volatile behaviour, cruelty, or strange obsession with strangulation, either before, during, or after 1983. What about the cute little lad living next door, or close by? Was there ever a time when he gave you cause for concern, especially as he grew older? Did you ever hear stories of him acting dangerously out of control? Psychopaths exhibit a core set of personality traits and behaviours, characterized by a severe lack of empathy, shallow emotions, and a disregard for social norms. Often using superficial charm and deceit to exploit others for personal gain, they are skilled at reading people and mirroring emotions to blend in, making them difficult to spot initially.

Look deeper. Does this sound like someone you may have known at the time? Typically, they do not feel sorry for hurting others. Anything can trigger them at any time. Might have been one of your drinking buddies? For most of the time, a great guy, blended nicely into your social circle? But every once in a while maybe something he did, or said, raised eyebrows? You laughed it off at the time, but did you ever wonder about that episode later? Did anyone ever mention strangulation to you, as in a "joke"? But were you uncomfortable with the conversation?

Did you know someone in Aberdeen in 1983 who carried a cheesewire, showed sudden unprovoked rage, or changed their behaviour after that September night?

One thing which some of you may know? I touched on this in a previous FB article. The film, The Godfather, apparently was shown on TV a short while before George's murder. At the end of the final scene in part 1, it shows a garrotting which takes place inside a car. A guy sitting in the back seat (behind driver), loops a garrote around the driver's neck, after he gets into the car, killing him. Shockingly similar to the attack launched on George by his eventual killer. Could that have been the trigger for his actions on 29th Sept? One of Dr. Hart's senior students carried out some research, which revealed that another garrotting scene appeared in the film, From Russia With Love. I believe that was in the seventies. If the killer was in his 20s-30s' when he killed George, his developmental years would have occurred during the 70s'.

Dr. Hart went on to share a hypothesis, which I found to be of particular interest, potentially plausible and rather chilling.

At the outset of this murderous attack, the killer would have been in a high state of excitement, adrenalin pumping, playing out this scene he'd thought about for so long. Focused, planned, action orientated. But then it went wrong - his first attempt at murder by cheesewire. That would have led to significant anger. How dare George mess this up for him, thwart his kill. Fury would have fuelled him. Had it worked, the use of the cheesewire would have been a quick, easy kill in his mind. But it didn't go as he'd planed. He realised that it wasn't as easy as the scenario which had played out in his mind, maybe for years? He wasn't as capable as he'd thought. Lots of energy was needed to do this, as opposed to a straight kill. This was not part of his expectations.

So, as the cheesewire - his weapon of choice - had not played out as he'd imagined, could he then have switched to using knives as weapons? Or perhaps he had used knives before to kill and got away with it? Do we know if any murders went unsolved, just before, or after George's murder? But really, it was the cheesewire which gave him the biggest thrill. The deadly, vicious weapon excited him. That was the next extension in his story.

His intention was to murder. That was his internal story. The choice of the cheesewire was important to him as a legacy. If he'd been successful in using the cheesewire to garrote George, that could have been the start of an infamous killing spree by him. Maybe even leading to him becoming a serial killer? He only had to google Cheesewire Killer and knew it was about him. When it went wrong, it shocked him to the core.

Psychopaths don't just change their nature overnight. This killer left a trail of volatile behaviour somewhere in his past. Take another look at those you knew in 1983.The answer to Aberdeen's most infamous mystery is sitting in someone's memory. Only you can unlock it.

Please contact us privately at this page with names or information
Or email [email protected]
If you wish to remain anonymous, we shall honour that. Your name will not be passed to the police, only your information.
Thanks to forensic science, the police now hold a profile of the killer's DNA. The net is closing fast on this cruel individual who took an innocent man's life. Will you help us to bring this case to a close and award poor George the justice he deserves?

N.B. Our special thanks and deep gratitude to Dr. Helen Hart and her student, for their kindness and foresight in exploring other avenues in this deeply troubling case. Your participation may help bring forth new names and information.

WHAT IF..............?Sept 29th this year marks 43 years since taxi driver, George Murdoch was cruelly and brutally murd...
18/06/2026

WHAT IF..............?

Sept 29th this year marks 43 years since taxi driver, George Murdoch was cruelly and brutally murdered, just off the A93, near the top of Pitfodels Station Rd, in Cults. At the time, police referred to this evil act as a “robbery gone wrong." And that may be correct? But.....

WHAT IF there was another possibility? Something far more sinister and terrifying?

WHAT IF George's killer was a dangerous psychopath, who went out that night, not with robbery in mind, but the urge to kill?

WHAT IF he was acting out a sick fantasy?

For many years we have struggled with certain aspects of this murder, trying to make sense of the "robbery gone wrong" theory. For us, it just never seemed to fit. And we cite three reasons for this:-

1) choice of weapon - known as a kill weapon. "The garrote (cheesewire) has been used in war by special forces and elite military units. Favoured because it is completely silent, easily concealable and highly lethal." Why use such a deadly weapon if you intend only to rob someone?

2) we know that both the driver's door and back passenger door (behind driver), were open when police arrived. Why? There can only be two reasons. a) George had tried to escape, leaving the door ajar, and his killer ran after him? Again why? b) killer dragged George out of the driver's seat and attacked him on the road by his car? Now if his only intent was robbery, why bother? George would surely have been disorientated by now? Maybe even semi-conscious? No threat to his attacker. So why not simply grab the money and wallet and leave?

3) Instead of leaving, the killer chose to remain at the scene, strangling his victim as he lay helpless on the ground. Why? So focused was he on the act, that he wasn't even aware of the two cyclists passing by, only a couple of yards from him. Why do that, unless he had another intent, one far worse than mere robbery?

In order to better understand the behavioural make up of such a sadistic individual; we sought the opinion/thoughts of a professional. One trained in the scientific study of the human mind, emotions, and behaviour. And so we reached out to Dr Helen Hart. Dr Hart is an expert and well-respected forensic psychologist, who has been working in this field for many years. Dr Hart holds the formal qualifications of BSc (Honours) Applied Psychology with Criminal Justice, MSc Psychology and Criminology and a Doctorate in Forensic Psychology. Amongst her many areas of research is violent offending.

Dr Hart kindly agreed to take part in a Zoom call with me recently. Before I share her thoughts and professional opinion, as to the individual who took George Murdoch's life, I must state, this possible profile of the killer is not an exact science. Nonetheless, it is the expert opinion of a professional who, for many years, has not only studied psychopathy, but has worked alongside and with, psychopaths in various prisons.

Dr Hart along with one of her senior student, carried out some research on and for this case, before our discussion took place. Hence she has covered some background which will become more obvious and revealing in part two. For now though, she
is basing her opinions on the information which police have shared with the public over the years and which exists in the public domain. She is not claiming her opinion to be 100% factual, or even correct. Rather, her thoughts are based on the aspects of this case, as it presents to her. The use of a cheesewire, overwhelming use of force and the determination exhibited by the killer, to ensure George does not survive. Given her depth of experience and professional judgement over many years working in this field, she shares some compelling thoughts as to what may have driven this individual to commit the ultimate and most horrific act of violence.

These actions may lead potentially to a very different profile of this killer. Ultimately suggesting perhaps, a twisted, depraved individual. One who may have been walking our streets for years, planning or plotting his "big moment?"

And why does this matter to us now? It matters because there may be individuals out there whom we have never looked at before., either in 1983, nor since. For the public at large, it may bring to mind some names they'd never previously have thought of?

In part 2, we shall disclose Dr Hart's thoughts in full. They are very interesting, insightful and compelling. What may have instigated this murder, how it consequently unfolded and what may have caused things to escalate, resulting in an overwhelming rage-fuelled attack, leading to the cruel death of an innocent man. His wife, Jessie, left widowed and alone, in her mid 50s'. In the weeks following her husband's death, her weight plummeted to just below 6 stones (38kgs). So, one life lost, the other severely impacted by the horror. A woman who never recovered fully from the effect of losing her husband so tragically, so unfairly and in such a gruesome manner.

Part 2 will follow soon.

24/04/2026

ANCESTRY & GENEALOGY

Apologies folks. We've been having some internet issues, so unable to access this page, for a while. However, all seems to be working again, thankfully.

For some time, we've been receiving lots of questions and interest in the possible use of ancestry and genealogy in this case. Initially, a while back, I remember reading on Google, that there were some ethical concerns around both, plus genetic data is, or was, considered to be sensitive personal information, hence subject to privacy and data protection laws.

However, as time has passed, it seems those concerns have receded somewhat, things have changed and wherever possible, ancestry and genealogy may now play roles in cold case murders, which is very good news indeed.

The unfortunate thing though, is that at the moment, this DNA profile, although good enough to be used in Familial DNA Testing, currently, it is not sufficient, nor of the type needed, to be considered for Ancestry or Genealogy. That being said, forensic science is expanding at an incredible rate. So, the hope is that in the future, sooner or later, the DNA may be advanced enough to take advantage of these cutting-edge tools. Over 42 years ago, no-one had even envisaged that DNA would be recovered from this crime scene. A few years ago, the police informed us that a DNA profile had been obtained and was good enough to be used in Familial DNA Testing. A huge step forward in this case! That project is still ongoing.

*On a different topic. I recently added a post, entitled, Theories, Rumours & Untruths (3rd April). It caught the eye of a journalist, Stuart Patterson, from the Scottish Sun. He produced an article around this and it appeared in the paper last Saturday. Some of you may have read it? With the FB problems, I was unable to add the link to this Page. However, we'd like to thank Stuart for his interest and for reaching out to us. Whenever journalists highlight this case, it helps greatly to extend the reach to all members of the public. So we are grateful and welcome interest from the media.

One other thing I'd like to add. If anyone has any strong information about this case, please contact this Page privately, or email to:- [email protected] Please do not add via comments. This is to protect your own privacy, but also to ensure no potentially relevant info is seen by others, apart from ourselves, or the police. Likewise, if you hold info which you believe to be true, but it differs significantly from the official version of events on the night of the murder in 1983, please share with us, via private FB message here, or email. I shall then contact the police and they will be in touch with you and, happy to hear and discuss what you have to say.. Thank you for your cooperation and all the help you continue to give us in the quest for justice for George Murdoch.

* One thing I need to point out. In the article which appeared in The Sun, ref was made to Alex being George's only remaining living relative. That is not correct, though I do recall seeing similar mention of this over the years. Probably because Alex is the only relative who has been seen and heard in the media? However, in the interests of full transparency, we thought we ought to point this out.

Please contact us via private message at this FB Page
Or email us:- [email protected] (Your anonymity will be guaranteed if you wish)
REWARD REMAINS AT £50,000

03/04/2026

THEORIES, RUMOURS & UNTRUTHS

Many of you may have watched again, or perhaps for the first time, the repeat of this case documentary - The Wire:Forensics Murder, shown last week on CH5? I watched it for the second time myself. Each time I watch a prog about this case, it seems to throw up more questions! It's a real whodunnit! Probably, because even after 42yrs, we know so little about it. Hence we all begin to theorise about what may have happened. That's not a bad thing. Out of those theories, some good might be produced. One possibility, a word, a sentence, just might resonate with someone? That could prove to be the missing piece to this difficult case and result in it being solved - providing that person comes forward? So, sensible theories can be helpful and productive.

In 1983, I remember rumours were rife. They circulated throughout the city, some, kind of plausible, others a bit wild and the odd few, just plain crazy! That said, it is human nature to invent rumours about things we have no answers for. The problem arises when they have the potential to damage a murder case and it seems to be those very ones which take on a life of their own!

One such rumour I have seen mentioned on this FB Page a few times and it is totally untrue. Here it is:-
THE KILLER SERVED TIME IN BARLINNIE YEARS AGO, IS NOW DEAD AND THE POLICE KNOW WHO DID IT.
I can assure you that is not true. It is completely false. Not only false, it is ridiculous!

Why on earth would police waste time, a huge amount of money and resources on re-investigating a cold case if it had been solved? And, can anyone even comprehend that we would waste our valuable time in continuing to promote this case, if it had been solved? That does not make sense. The danger in fostering these untruths however, is that some might begin to wonder if there is even a grain of truth in them. Again, I assure you, in this one, there is not!

The police do not know who did this. We do not know who did this. But, someone out there most definitely knows who did this!
To all who follow this Page, to those who have been with us for the past 5 years and, to our new followers. You have helped so much already and we are grateful to still have you onboard. When a promising tip, or piece of information is received, it raises our hopes. When it doesn't pan out, it is so disappointing, dashes hopes. But your presence and continued support lift us. It's like pressing the "re-set button." We know that all of you too are willing this horrific crime to be solved. For too long, it has cast a terrible, chilling shadow over our city. We shall never give up on this. Your support gives us renewed vigour. Evil can never be allowed to triumph.

After the documentary aired for the first time last year, we received more information, as did the police. The repeat showing a week ago, has brought forward a huge number of new followers. I don't know if some are new to this case, but at the end of each new post, two links will now be added. One, re an excellent docu-podcast, produced by Ryan Ogilvie, in 2023. It gives a factual, authentic insight into this case. You'll also hear from police, reporters, psychologists and others, plus a few words from my husband, Alex (Dod's nephew) and myself. The other link, I think is also exceptionally well done. It is a YouTube link from Crimes That Haunt Us, entitled, "The Killer Passenger."

Our sincere thanks and gratitude once again to all of you. Together, we present a stronger front. Have no doubt, either we shall solve this case (you, the public), or it will be solved by the forensic scientists. There is no place for loyalty in science. Only in humans and, unfortunately, to those who still protect this killer, sadly it is very much misplaced in this instance.

Reward at £50,000 for name of individual whom police can confirm is the killer of George Murdoch
Please private message us at this page if you have any information
Email: [email protected]

References:-
(1) Listen to the docudrama podcast - "Who Is The Cheesewire Killer" available on the following:-
Apple Podcasts - https://tinyurl.com/WITCWK-Apple
Spotify - https://tinyurl.com/WITCWK-Spotify
Amazon Music - https://tinyurl.com/WITCWK-Amazon
Audible - https://tinyurl.com/WITWK-Audible

(2) YouTube link, "The Killer Passenger" from Crimes That Haunt Us:-
https://youtu.be/L9rXDMK3c2Q?is=SJar1dlHDzoqUrX8

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