Inga-Maria Hauser murder: ‘Key crime scene exhibits have not been retained’

Investigators are no closer to identifying the person responsible for the “heinous” murder of Inga-Maria Hauser, a solicitor acting for the German backpacker’s family has said.
A memorial was unveiled on the 30th anniversary near the spot where Inga-Maria Hauser's body was discovered was in Ballypatrick Forest. Picture: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker PressA memorial was unveiled on the 30th anniversary near the spot where Inga-Maria Hauser's body was discovered was in Ballypatrick Forest. Picture: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press
A memorial was unveiled on the 30th anniversary near the spot where Inga-Maria Hauser's body was discovered was in Ballypatrick Forest. Picture: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press

“The family are distraught as a consequence,” Claire McKeegan said.

“It’s accepted PSNI recent times have moved on the case and progressed to a limited extent, the concern is that the same commitment and rigour appears not to have been pursued in the aftermath of Inga-Maria’s death when contemporaneous access to exhibits and evidence would have been optimum.

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“It has now transpired that key crime scene exhibits that had DNA have not been retained including exhibits which would have been critical in terms of establishing a DNA match.”

Inga-Maria HauserInga-Maria Hauser
Inga-Maria Hauser

The 18-year-old’s body was discovered in a remote part of Ballypatrick Forest near Ballycastle in April 1988.

The solicitor was commenting after the PPS announced today that there was insufficient evidence to prosecute two suspects.

Ms McKeegan said: “We are well aware that there are people in the community who perhaps have knowledge of this case and have previously felt unable to share that knowledge. We appeal to anyone who may have relevant information however minor it might seem to make contact with us.

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“We will be discussing with the family our next steps. We intend to consult with the Department of Justice regarding the immediate appointment of an Independent panel supported by independent researchers into this murder.

“This will require to be made up of an independent pathologist and independent lawyer and a senior independent police officer brought in from outside of this jurisdiction.

“We also intend to write to the Coroner now that the police investigation has stalled to seek an inquest.”

Queen’s University Belfast professor Phil Scratton said there are “major concerns” around the police investigation.

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“The family need to be assured that the initial investigation into Inga Maria’s death was thorough and appropriate,” he said.

“Having worked on this case along with the legal team and the family, there are major causes for concern regarding the thoroughness of the initial police investigation and the subsequent time lapse.

“I am profoundly disturbed by the lack of progress and in particular that substantive evidence is now no longer available,” Prof Scratton added.