DNA clue, associates could solve Ascot Vale rape case 28 years on

CRIME scene evidence left frozen and untouched until now could be the vital new evidence that cracks a 28-year-old rape mystery, with your help.

CRIME scene exhibits that lay frozen and untouched for decades have provided vital new evidence which police believe will solve a 1987 rape case.

Scientists recently extracted the rapist’s DNA from forensic samples stored in a freezer at the Victoria Police laboratory for nearly 30 years.

Evidence gathered by detectives since the DNA profile was obtained suggests the rapist and his accomplice were known to a man who was friends with the rape victim at the time.

Detective Sergeant Nigel Freebairn of the cold case sexual crimes squad has released the now-dead man’s identity, in the hope that people who knew Roger Martin will come forward with clues that could lead to the rapist being caught.

“I am firmly of the belief that we can solve this,” Det-Sgt Freebairn said.

Mr Martin, who died several years ago, was interviewed at the time of the sex attack on his friend but police believe he might have been too scared of the rapist to name him.

The rape victim was in bed at Mr Martin’s home in Maribyrnong Rd, Ascot Vale, on March 7, 1987, when two men wearing balaclavas entered. Mr Martin was out at the time.

“The men were described as a very tall man and a short man,” Det-Sgt Freebairn said. “One kept lookout at the bedroom door while she was assaulted and raped by the other.

“Demands were made of her for cash and valuables and then the two men fled. She went to raise the alarm with housemates only to find one of them had been violently assaulted with a crowbar.

“Less than an hour later, Roger Martin’s truck, parked near Bella Pizza in Bell St, ­Coburg, was stolen, moved a short distance and set alight.”

Victoria Police believe they have the keys to crack the cold case.

A witness at the pizza shop told police Mr Martin was with a very tall man and a short man that night.

Det-Sgt Freebairn said it appeared there had been a dispute between the two men and Mr Martin, and that dispute had led to the attack on Mr Martin’s friend and the torching of his truck. Mr Martin was 39 in 1987 and operated a rubbish removal business.

The bashed housemate is believed to be Oliver Turner, now 68 if still alive. Detectives have been unable to trace him and are keen to contact him or anybody who knows him, as well as anybody who knew Roger Martin or his associates.

Det-Sgt Freebairn is today appealing to anybody who knew Roger Martin or any of his associates, or who might be aware of a dispute between Mr Martin and the two suspects, to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

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