Killer suspect in hospital

Press, 6 September 1980, Page 1

Killer suspect in hospital

PA Auckland The police initially bypassed the man who is now the prime suspect for the rape and killing of. Alicia O’Reilly, aged . six/ three weeks ago. The man; aged 23, is now in a Ward ,at Oakley; Hospital. ;He. Was committed. < there by his < father after; advice from the police early last week. Theman he ling: the, inquiry? into ; the . killing of the girl, Detective . Inspector B. .E.. Matthews, said last evening that the suspect? was ;one of about 2500, people, • seen in-, the early stages of. the investigation.- : He , . was .interviewed again and / subsequently committed.. several days later after “certain information” ; was given -to' the police.' : , •:/

Mr Matthews said the results of scientific tests, “some of which could take up to two months,” would determine.-: whether the; man: was connected; with the killing. . : .The superintendent of Oakley Hospital, Dr Pi P. E. ; Savage, who early in the inquiry provided a psychiatric profile of the likely killer, , said . last evening ' that the. suspect • was receiving treatment. He could not be released unless hospital authorities were, satisfied he, was well enough. ,; ; . “This is unlikely to be for some time,”, said Dr Savage., .. .A reduced team .of about 20 detectives will continue checking on a further. 200 people nominated ,as suspects for the Avondale killing.