Police wait for writing analyses

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 34009, 25 November 1975, Page 2

Police wait for writing analyses

(Neu) Zealand Press Association) HAMILTON, November 24. The police have completed inquiries in Hamilton into the threatening note sent to the American professional golfer, Chris Witcher, but have not yet found the person who wrote if.

No arrest has been made' in the case yet, but the police! hope that handwriting specimens will provide the clue to' the person responsible for the threat — and the vandalism of Witcher's golf clubs two I days earlier. The officer in charge of the; case (Detective-Sergeant T. R.j Carmichael) said today that) handwriting samples from six; overseas professionals in the’ New Zealand Open golf; Championships were sent to; Wellington yesterday for analysis, with a request that thev be given urgent priority. He hoped the results would) be available within a week. The police had not been able to narrow down the list: of suspects, said DetectiveSergeant Carmichael. “We still cannot get a ‘motive, and for that reason

we cannot eliminate anyone at this stage.”No further action was planned until the results of; the analyses were known. The note was pushed under; Witcher’s hotel room door. It! said: “If you play any more rounds in this tournament, or! anv other tournament in New 1 Zealand, I will do something! that will not be very nice.” On Saturday, six overseas professionals were interviewed after a list was drawn up as a result of an examination of handwriting on competitors’ cards and entry forms. The six were staying at the same hotel as Witcher when he received the note on Friday. Hotel staff have also been questioned. Witcher, who is 19, left New Zealand at the week-end because of the threat.