Silk robe left in storage for 28 years the vital clue in Claremont murders, reports
A silk dressing gown stolen from a washing line 28 years ago is believed to have provided a much needed clue that led to an arrest in the Claremont murders cold case.
Eight years before Sarah Spiers was abducted from a Claremont Street, it is believed that an intruder broke into yet another woman’s house and tried to rape her, only to be sent fleeing by her loud screams, The Weekend West reports.
Police believe that a white kimono was accidentally dropped as the man fled before it would eventually be placed in storage at WA Police’s evidence receival centre.
Detective Sergeant John Callegari holds a white kimono that may have provided the missing clue in the cold case murders. Source: The Weekend West
The three women, Jane Rimmer, Sarah Spiers and Ciara Glennon. Source: Supplied
Police search a house at Kewdale, allegedly connected to the historic Claremont killings in Perth. Source: AAP
Amongst the thousands of stored items, the kimono remained unnoticed until a few months ago when DNA tests allegedly revealed a match to samples recovered from the body of Claremont victim, Ciara Glennon.
While it didn’t give them an exact name, the DNA match did narrow down police’s search considerably.
The reported breakthrough follows the shock arrest of 48-year-old Telstra worker, Bradley Robert Edwards from his Kewdale home on Friday.
The junior athletics coach had his DNA taken immediately after being arrested and a positive match led to the formal murder charges of Jane Rimmer and Ms Glennon.
Bradley Robert Edwards leaving court on Friday. Source: 7 News
He was also charged over the 1988 Huntingdale attack as well as the abduction and rape of a 17-year-old woman at Karrakatta cemetery.
“This has already been the biggest and most complex investigation in WA Police history,” Police Commissioner Karl O’Callaghan said following Friday’s arrest.
“Hundreds of police officers have worked on this case over the 20 years. The commitment of the WA police and its officers has never wavered… we never give up.”
Meanwhile WA Police on Saturday conducted searches on a second house believed to be linked to the serial killings.
It's understood the home belongs to the parents of Mr Edwards.
