Detectives investigating the rape of a mother-of-four in West Bromwich have told BBC Crimewatch Live that a DNA profile obtained from the victim will allow them to easily rule potential suspects in or out of the investigation, even though they have not yet identified the attacker.
Amanda Quiney was knocked unconscious in the Priory Woods area of Sandwell Valley Country Park during the attack on the morning of June 29. Because she was struck from behind, she was unable to provide a description of her attacker. However, West Midlands Police said they had obtained a DNA profile from her.
Detective explains DNA evidence
Detective Inspector Phil Griffiths, who appeared on the BBC programme on Monday, October 5, said: "Unfortunately, because Amanda was struck from behind and knocked unconscious, she didn't see her attacker, so we weren't able to get a description from her."
He added: "We have conducted CCTV enquiries in the area, and we know she wasn't followed in, so the movements of her attacker, both before and after, remain unknown. We've spoken with a number of witnesses, who have helped with our enquiries, but we've been unable to identify who did this."
Det Insp Griffiths explained that forensic testing had produced a DNA profile from Amanda, but it was not of good enough quality to be submitted to the national DNA database. He said: "But when we identify suspects, we will be able to make direct comparisons to that sample, to rule them in or out of the investigation."
Crimewatch host highlights significance
Crimewatch Live host Rav Wilding responded: "So what you do have then is still potentially extremely significant with this DNA. So if someone knows who has done this, or they want to supply a name, you can easily rule them out of this inquiry because of what you do have?" Det Insp Griffiths replied: "Yes."
Providing further insight, Det Insp Griffiths said the force had liaised with national agencies that record statistics around such offences but had not identified a link to any other investigations, either open or closed, nationally or locally.
Victim speaks out
Amanda Quiney also appeared on Crimewatch Live, describing it as 'terrifying' to know her attacker was 'still out there' and that 'it could happen again to somebody else'. She recalled being hit on the back of her head as she walked back to her car, but said 'after that, it's blank'.
She said: "How can you process something that you can't remember? I need the answers." Amanda said when she woke up, she realised she 'wasn't in the same place' where she had fallen. Her head was painful and bleeding, and her leggings and underwear were 'down to her ankles', while her top was 'ripped' around her neck.
She continued: "It wasn't until I actually pulled myself together that I realised something serious had happened. I had been raped."
West Midlands Police have urged anyone who was in the area from around 8am until 11am that day to contact them if they have not already spoken to officers. People can use the live chat facility at www.west-midlands.police.uk, or call 101, quoting reference 20/304639/26.
