Koh Tao - 'Killers will be caught'

[webfact]

KOH TAO
'Killers will be caught'
The Nation,
Agence FrancePresse



Police general admits it's back to square one, but search to be expanded to nearby islands

BANGKOK: -- POLICE ARE confident that their investigation and the evidence obtained will help them catch the killers of the two British backpackers who were bludgeoned to death on Monday on the resort island of Koh Tao, the police general supervising the probe said yesterday.

However, Pol Lt General Panya Mamen, commander of Police Region 8, did admit that the investigation into the gruesome killings of David Miller, 24, and Hannah Witheridge, 23, had to start over as DNA samples collected from the victims and the scene do not match any of the 12 suspects.

"We still believe we will bring the attackers to justice. Police have collected a lot of evidence and interviewed many people, and this should help us find the culprits. There is a lot of evidential information that we cannot reveal to the media right now," he said, adding the investigation would expand to nearby islands.

Sadly, the clues revealed by Panya so far have proved to be blank and the suspects have been released.

Preliminary forensic evidence revealed that the semen in Witheridge's body did not match the DNA collected from the 12 suspects. Accordingly, all suspects, including the migrant workers, have been released.

Also, the two DNA samples collected from one of the three cigarette butts found in the crime scene "did not contradict" the semen found in Witheridge's body, though it did not match the samples collected from the 12 suspects.

Panya said Christopher Ware, a male travelling companion of Miller, was now a free man and could leave Thailand if he wished. He had initially been stopped from boarding a plane back to England and was asked to remain in Thailand pending DNA results.

He was initially suspected of having a hand in the murders as he had scratches all over his body and a serious wound on his hand. However, closer inspection proved these wounds were old.

Panya also said that Ware had been very cooperative with the police and would be considered a witness.

Tourist Police chief Pol Maj-General Apichai Ti-amataya, meanwhile, said the British Embassy had taken Ware and his brother James under its wing yesterday and it is likely that the brothers have already boarded a flight back home. If further evidence proves that Ware was involved in the killings, then police will ask the British Embassy to help have him extradited, he said.

As for the pair of stained pants found in Miller's luggage, the general admitted that the substance found on the clothing was not blood and that they belonged to Miller and the pair had been put in the victim's luggage by the first group of police officers.

When asked about the possible motive behind the murders, Panya said police had not ruled out any possibilities - ranging from robbery and rape to personal anguish.

"From the available evidence, we believe that there were more than two attackers. I am well aware that the murders have affected Thailand's reputation and travellers' confidence. I'm asking for more time as I want to work on a step-by-step basis," he said.

Meanwhile, Witheridge's three female friends have already returned home, but have promised to return to Thailand if needed.

Separately, unconfirmed reports say that police have found a man who matches the man captured in the security cameras.

Apichai told reporters that investigators would also try to find out who the victims had been in contact with on the fateful night, adding that they would certainly have a clearer picture of what really happened if they could locate the Asian man seen in the CCTV.

Pol General Jarumporn Suramanee, adviser to the Royal Thai Police, said British consul Michael Hancock had accompanied the Witheridge family to meet him yesterday and to ask about the latest developments. The relatives, who are in Bangkok to reclaim Witheridge's body, were seen crying and hugging each other ahead of the police briefing.

Jarumporn said police have asked the Foreign Ministry to facilitate the transport of Witheridge's body to England, adding that Hancock would be keeping the families up-to-date about the developments.

"Her family have asked the media to be aware of their feelings when reporting the case, which has been a great loss and brought them great sorrow," the police officer said.

He also declined to reveal results of the autopsy or forensic evidence, saying it would affect the rights of the victims.

Hancock also said he could not comment on the case as he was merely a coordinator, though the Witheridge family had no questions over the autopsy results. He also called on the media to only report useful information as the family was in deep grief.

Meanwhile, Surat Thani Governor Chatpong Chatraphuti said Koh Tao would no longer be allowed to host spin-offs of the full-moon party that has been drawing hordes of backpackers to the neighbouring Koh Pha-ngan. "We don't want any more crimes," he said.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Killers-will-be-caught-30243629.html


-- The Nation 2014-09-19

[ClutchClark]

So this article repeatedly quotes the police as claiming multiple assailants.

Is this based on a possible lead or a result of the investigative process?

[phuketandsee]

Just when you think the BIB couldn't have handled this any worse you read this gem:

"As for the pair of stained pants found in Miller's luggage, the general admitted that the substance found on the clothing was not blood and that they belonged to Miller and the pair had been put in the victim's luggage by the first group of police officers" (italics added).

Why on earth did the police pack the victim's bag? Did they think it was blood when they packed them? If this was a movie script it would be rejected as being too preposterous to believe.

I sincerely hope the poor families of the victims are not reading any of this. And that the PM is!

Edited September 18, 2014 by phuketandsee

[Tokay]

Just when you think the BIB couldn't have handled this any worse you read this gem:

"As for the pair of stained pants found in Miller's luggage, the general admitted that the substance found on the clothing was not blood and that they belonged to Miller and the pair had been put in the victim's luggage by the first group of police officers" (italics added).

Why on earth did the police pack the victim's bag? Did they think it was blood when they packed them? If this was a movie script it would be rejected as being too preposterous to believe.

I sincerely hope the poor families of the victims are not reading any of this. And that the PM is!

Because THAT is the type of "law enforcement" you're dealing with here. Total keystone cops in every sense of the word.

They have zero leads now, this has already been said in another report today. But I do agree, someone will be caught. Chances are, it just won't be the person who did it. Some poor sucker is going to take the fall for this. The real killer(s) is either long gone by now, four days later, or well protected by the island community and local police. One or the other.

[NongKhaiKid]

Just when you think the BIB couldn't have handled this any worse you read this gem:

"As for the pair of stained pants found in Miller's luggage, the general admitted that the substance found on the clothing was not blood and that they belonged to Miller and the pair had been put in the victim's luggage by the first group of police officers" (italics added).

Why on earth did the police pack the victim's bag? Did they think it was blood when they packed them? If this was a movie script it would be rejected as being too preposterous to believe.

I sincerely hope the poor families of the victims are not reading any of this. And that the PM is!

Because THAT is the type of "law enforcement" you're dealing with here. Total keystone cops in every sense of the word.

They have zero leads now, this has already been said in another report today. But I do agree, someone will be caught. Chances are, it just won't be the person who did it. Some poor sucker is going to take the fall for this. The real killer(s) is either long gone by now, four days later, or well protected by the island community and local police. One or the other.

Well said and what so many of us believe.

Absolutely no professionalism.

[blowin]

Glad to see the victims friend Christopher Ware cleared and allowed travel home. There was lots disgusting comments made here on TV about him presuming him guilty and people willing to listen to gossip and add to it . Some times the moderators take down comments like this but are willing to let people talk about an innocent man like Christopher. It took a friend Bean to come on and try defend him. As I have said many times here family and friends use Google to get information and have to read all the crap that was wrote yesterday. So ban me if you want or censor me but I have read the shocking comments so I am sure the family have also.

[HiSoLowSoNoSo]

Just when you think the BIB couldn't have handled this any worse you read this gem:

"As for the pair of stained pants found in Miller's luggage, the general admitted that the substance found on the clothing was not blood and that they belonged to Miller and the pair had been put in the victim's luggage by the first group of police officers" (italics added).

Why on earth did the police pack the victim's bag? Did they think it was blood when they packed them? If this was a movie script it would be rejected as being too preposterous to believe.

I sincerely hope the poor families of the victims are not reading any of this. And that the PM is!

Was this a frame-up attempt by the BIB to blame Christopher Ware for the murder or are they just morons?

Edited September 18, 2014 by HiSoLowSoNoSo

[Nigeone]

Just when you think the BIB couldn't have handled this any worse you read this gem:

"As for the pair of stained pants found in Miller's luggage, the general admitted that the substance found on the clothing was not blood and that they belonged to Miller and the pair had been put in the victim's luggage by the first group of police officers" (italics added)

Just unbelievable really...not that the BiB should do this but that someone in the police should admit to it...

Shall I read in the next few days that the Police involved are charged and sacked..Mmmmmm i won't hold my breath..

I wonder how the general is feeling over possible loss of face...A Thai wouldn't do this..remark now that the Brits and Burmese

seemed to have been ruled out...

[ClutchClark]

This admission sure sounds like transparency from the very Police organization everyone here on TV is always accusing of cover-ups.

[rhythmworx]

How many threads do we need on this?

Is 1 not satisfactory or do wee need a fresh one every day with a different title?

[LanceGringo]

How many threads do we need on this?

Is 1 not satisfactory or do wee need a fresh one every day with a different title?

YES

[phuketandsee]

Just when you think the BIB couldn't have handled this any worse you read this gem:

"As for the pair of stained pants found in Miller's luggage, the general admitted that the substance found on the clothing was not blood and that they belonged to Miller and the pair had been put in the victim's luggage by the first group of police officers" (italics added).

Why on earth did the police pack the victim's bag? Did they think it was blood when they packed them? If this was a movie script it would be rejected as being too preposterous to believe.

I sincerely hope the poor families of the victims are not reading any of this. And that the PM is!

Was this a frame-up attempt by the BIB to blame Christopher Ware for the murder or are they just morons?

Probably both since if they were trying to frame Ware why were they packed in Miller's luggage?

Edited September 18, 2014 by phuketandsee

[WhamBam]

BANGKOK: -- POLICE ARE confident that their investigation and the evidence obtained will help them catch the killers of the two British backpackers who were bludgeoned to death on Monday on the resort island of Koh Tao, the police general supervising the probe said yesterday.

I saw a HUGE pink thing flying by my bedroom window tonight.I am sure it was snorting and grunting as it flew past.

[Aceicol]

This admission sure sounds like transparency from the very Police organization everyone here on TV is always accusing of cover-ups.

That's the same police organization that put them in there though? You won't mind if we don't all jump for joy at the moment won't you.

[PaPiPuPePo]

They had their best opportunity to make sure the killers didn't leave the island the day it happened. They could have at least had check points at the ferry piers.

They then wasted precious time focusing on the British friend. It would seem there being multiple attackers would have been obvious from the start. Those jeans were supposedly some strong evidence, but as was just pointed out they were in the victim's luggage, which made no sense, and now it comes out they were packed by the police themselves so are meaningless.

Meanwhile, the trail grows cooler every day.

[NCFC]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/thailand/11104566/Parents-of-Hannah-Witheridge-arrive-in-Thailand-as-murder-hunt-falters.html

Daily Telegraph reporting that:

"Police believe Miss Witheridge had been raped. DNA tests showed that she had not had sex with Mr Miller or his friends Christopher and James Ware, with whom Mr Miller was travelling."

If this is correct then the semen most likely belongs to the killer(s)

If they were not engaged in sex then it shifts the story away from the original accusations.

[daveAustin]

How many threads do we need on this?

Is 1 not satisfactory or do wee need a fresh one every day with a different title?

With a big story like this, no, one is not satisfactory. If it irks you that there are two many threads because it is boring you or that you are concerned about server resources, suggest setting up your own forum or just move on. All you have done with your whining is add more content to it.

[Fred Flinstone]

Whats really concerning , and not mentioned much-

Is that these killers have demonstrated a murderous , lunatic hatred of westerners , and are walking free amongst the community.

The chances are they are crazed and blood lusting for more blond girls on Thai beaches to rape and murder.

And before this is dismissed as sensational propaganda -

I remind the reader that where horrific murder and rape is committed in the most violent manner (e.g. smashing in a face with full force )

When the perpetrator(s) is not caught .

In 40% of cases a further crime similar within 24 months is committed by the same offender(s)

In other words this might not be a One off.

Edited September 18, 2014 by Fred Flinstone

[pinkpanther99]

"As for the pair of stained pants found in Miller's luggage, the general admitted that the substance found on the clothing was not blood and that they belonged to Miller and the pair had been put in the victim's luggage by the first group of police officers"

I can't believe I've just read this.

Absolutely scandalous.

[monk213]

So this article repeatedly quotes the police as claiming multiple assailants.

Is this based on a possible lead or a result of the investigative process?

It would be silly of the police to mention every lead, bit of evidence and hunches they to the public at this stage.Maybe that is what they have been doing though, certainly seems that way

[ChrisY1]

I'de guess here, that if the cops don't get a tip off.....they may well be up the creek........

Hopefully, someone will come forward......

[FireMedic]

This is going to be a double wammy for Thailand. It's going to damage tourism and it will (yet again) embarrass and shame the police force here. It's well known they can't protect tourists from violence, but it makes it 10 times worse that they can't investigate a crime properly.

[Lex Talionis]

Whatever became of the condom? I'm assuming they tested for DNA inside it. Any matches to any samples collected?

[jaidam]

I'de guess here, that if the cops don't get a tip off.....they may well be up the creek........

Hopefully, someone will come forward......

Unlikely. The cops on the island are feared and reviled by all except their criminal peers and island elite that openly control them. It would be dangerous for any normal islander to report any violent crime for fear of reprisals and that their name would be passed on to the offenders.

I feel if all local police,govt were removed from the island immediately and never allowed to return, info closing this crime would become available within hours.

[T_Dog]

Hopefully they have some reason to say they are confident, but time is rapidly slipping by. The Bangkok Post had a CCTV photo of what they called "the mystery man" yesterday so maybe they are making some findings on that front.

[clockman]

I hope the killer will be found. But T.I.T. Kirsty Jones killer is still out there. No closure for her family. Fourteen years later!

[zoza]

it would appear the police have done a good job of muddying the waters and with comments by

superiors that steered the so called investigation directly towards foreigners, people are

reminded of violent incidents in the past both on this island and in other locations within

Thailand that were never properly investigated due to people of influence being involved

it seems not a lot has changed in Thailand in this respect.

[monk213]

I fear that this one most likely is going to be unsolved, I have felt this way for a couple of days now. They are either able to be protected from any real investigating or have since long gone. Then again I have hope, hope they are not telling us everything and that they have more information, evidence and leads than they have already stated.

[culicine]

Just when you think the BIB couldn't have handled this any worse you read this gem:

"As for the pair of stained pants found in Miller's luggage, the general admitted that the substance found on the clothing was not blood and that they belonged to Miller and the pair had been put in the victim's luggage by the first group of police officers" (italics added).

Why on earth did the police pack the victim's bag? Did they think it was blood when they packed them? If this was a movie script it would be rejected as being too preposterous to believe.

I sincerely hope the poor families of the victims are not reading any of this. And that the PM is!

It sounds like a possible frame up. What policeman would be so stupid to do such a thing? Just an honest mistake? Having read multiple threads, especially from those who have lived there, it sounds plausible that the police probably know who the killers are. I certainly hope I'm wrong on that.

[ClutchClark]

Just when you think the BIB couldn't have handled this any worse you read this gem:

"As for the pair of stained pants found in Miller's luggage, the general admitted that the substance found on the clothing was not blood and that they belonged to Miller and the pair had been put in the victim's luggage by the first group of police officers" (italics added).

Why on earth did the police pack the victim's bag? Did they think it was blood when they packed them? If this was a movie script it would be rejected as being too preposterous to believe.

I sincerely hope the poor families of the victims are not reading any of this. And that the PM is!

It sounds like a possible frame up. What policeman would be so stupid to do such a thing? Just an honest mistake? Having read multiple threads, especially from those who have lived there, it sounds plausible that the police probably know who the killers are. I certainly hope I'm wrong on that.

Don't worry...you are wrong on that.

Hard for some of you on TV to believe but the world is not a big conspiracy.