Barnett cool on Rayney investigation
Colin Barnett is not convinced of the need for an independent, cold case investigation into the murder of Supreme Court registrar Corryn Rayney.
But the Premier said yesterday that a fresh investigation into the case, which remains unsolved nearly two years after Mrs Rayney's husband Lloyd Rayney was acquitted of the murder, could be considered through the "justice system" and by Attorney-General Michael Mischin.
"I would take the advice of the Attorney-General on that," Mr Barnett told 6PR.
RAYNEY TELLS OF NEVER-ENDING NIGHTMARE
In a special presentation screened on Channel 7 last night, Mr Rayney called for a cold case review of his wife's murder and gave an emotional account of his continuing "nightmare" after her body was found in a Kings Park bush grave seven years ago.
The former State prosecutor, identified six weeks after the killing as a "prime suspect" in the police investigation and acquitted of wilful murder after a 12-week trial in 2012, said he believed the case could still be solved. Mr Mischin said Mrs Rayney's murder had been investigated by WA Police and the allegation that her husband had been responsible had been dealt with according to law.
"The question of whether there are any lines of further investigation capable of being pursued is primarily a matter for the police," Mr Mischin said.
"But if Mr Rayney wishes me to take some action in respect of the investigation of his wife's murder in my capacity as the State's first law officer, I shall consider the request on its merits and take such action as seems appropriate and available to me.
"I have received no such request to date."
The program, The Lloyd Rayney Story, included claims by forensics expert Robin Napper that police should have investigated thoroughly two violent criminals who lived near the Rayney family home in Como to eliminate them from their inquiry.
A spokeswoman for WA Police said she could not comment on any matters relating to the case because of current legal proceedings, both criminal and civil.
