DNA tests stall murder probe

DNA tests are holding up the investigation into the murder of 30-year-old Ivorian Adam Dabete, who was found buried beneath a carob tree in Ħal Far on June 6.

Mr Dabete's DNA was being compared to blood samples found on a suspect's personal belongings, sources said, adding that these tests were of paramount importance.

DNA testing takes a working day to complete, with forensic scientists first having to profile the two samples and then compare them. Add this to hundreds of other cases and, despite murders being given priority, they are bound to take a while.

Moreover, sources said this was only one test of many being carried out in relation to this case.

Mr Dabete was found in a field a stone's throw away from the Ħal Far open centre, where he lived. The grim discovery was made when other residents spotted traces of blood leading to toes sticking out of the ground. An autopsy revealed a fractured skull and cerebral laceration.

A suspect, who also lived at the open centre, was arrested shortly after investigators questioned a farmer who employed the two men to work his field in Mġarr. The farmer told the police the suspect had introduced him to Mr Dabete when he needed more manpower. He said the farmer took a liking to the victim and, in fact, assigned him more jobs than he did the suspect. This led investigators to suspect that jealousy was the motive behind the murder and so arrested the Ivorian on June 7. He was, however, released from custody on June 9 once the statutory 48-hour detention period elapsed.

With investigators relying on trace evidence, sources said the suspect could not yet be arraigned.