Police renew appeal for information about the 1993 stabbing murder of Suzanne Poll
More than 23 years on, police are still hunting murdered mother-of-two Suzanne Poll’s killer. Do you have any vital evidence?
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More than 23 years on, police are still hunting murdered mother-of-two Suzanne Poll’s killer.
In a renewed effort to solve the decades old cold case mystery, SA Police have again appealed for information about the April 1993 murder of the stationery shop worker.
Mrs Poll, 36, was about to close the Sands and McDougall stationery shop on John St, Salisbury, when she was stabbed 18 times with a large hunting knife.
Across the street at Parabanks Shopping Centre on Thursday, April 29, 1993, it was late-night shopping.
Several witnesses provided information to SA Police suggesting the offender may have had a cut or a tattoo around one of his eyes and may have been wearing an army coat.
Officer in charge of Major Crime, Detective Superintendent Des Bray, said police never “close” unsolved cases such as Mrs Poll’s death.
“We know that the smallest detail can lead to the breakthrough that police — and Mrs Poll’s family and friends have been waiting all these years for,” he said.
“Operation Persist is focused on re-examining these investigations, reconsidering forensic techniques and looking for new ways to get the information we need.
“I would urge anyone who may know something about this brutal murder to come forward now and help us provide some answers for this family.”
A DNA sample that police believe belongs to the offender, who injured himself in the frenzied attack before stealing $300 from the shop’s till and $200 from Mrs Poll’s purse, was found at the scene but no match has been found.
The DNA has been tested against more than 323,000 Australia-wide and against millions of known criminals in a worldwide search through Interpol.
In 2009, The Advertiser revealed a deceased man could be the suspect. His DNA was also tested, but no match was found.
Police at the time said the suspect was described as caucasian in appearance, aged in his early 20s or 30s and between 172-177cm tall.
He had a stocky build and scruffy messy unbrushed hair which was at least collar length.
As well as the army-style long coat he was reportedly wearing dark wraparound sunglasses and size 11 running shoes in either Lynx or Front Runner brand. Those shoes may have had vertical stripes on the sides and metallic lace keepers buckles.
Police are renewing their calls for information into the death of Mrs Poll as part of Operation Persist — a long-term campaign aiming to solve unsolved murders in South Australia.
A $200,000 reward is on offer for information about the murder.
Police ask anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperssa.com.au.