06/01/2006

DNA tests conducted in Thai murder inquiry

Police in Thailand have been collecting DNA samples from a number of men as the search for the killer of British student Katherine Horton.

The body of Miss Horton, 21, from Cardiff, was found off the island of Koh Samui on Monday.

An autopsy revealed that she had been beaten before being dragged into the sea. Police said that male DNA found on her body was being examined.

The DNA samples, collected from both local men and foreign tourists, have been sent to Bangkok for analysis and the results are expected later on Friday.

Media reports that a suspect had been arrested have also been denied.

Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has urged police to find Miss Horton's killer "as soon as possible".

Katherine, a psychology student from Reading University, had travelled to Thailand with her friend and fellow student Ruth Adams, also 21, on December 27.

She was last seen on the night of January 1, walking along the beach, talking to her mother on her mobile phone. Her body was found in the sea less than 12 hours later.

Miss Horton's father, Ian, travelled to Thailand earlier this week, joined by Katherine's older brother, who travelled from his home in Australia.

On Thursday, he made an emotional appeal for information about his daughter's killer. He said: "I urge those who did this to come forward. The perpetrator is too cowardly to offer themselves to justice in Thailand. But there is a person here that knows. A person that can assist the police. Someone that can maybe save another life."

(KMcA)


Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

05 January 2006
Thailand murder - father makes appeal
The father of murdered Cardiff student Katherine Horton has made an appeal for information as he visited the murder scene in Thailand. Miss Horton's father, Ian, and older brother, Christopher, visited the beach on the island of Koh Samui where her body was discovered on Monday morning.
13 January 2006
Pair face sentencing for Thailand murder
Two Thai fishermen are awaiting sentence for the rape and murder of British tourist Katherine Horton. Bualoi Posit, 23 and Wichai Somkhaoyai, 24, pleaded guilty to the charges against them at the court in Surat Thani in southern Thailand. The case has now been adjourned until Wednesday, when the men will face sentencing.
04 January 2006
Murdered Briton ‘possibly raped’
A British student who was found dead on a beach in Thailand might have been raped, local police have revealed. The body of Katherine Horton, 21, was found in the sea of the island of Koh Samui on Monday morning. She had last been seen on Sunday night, talking to her family on her mobile phone as she walked along the beach.
03 January 2006
Murder investigation launched into Briton’s death in Thailand
Police have launched a murder investigation, following the discovery of the body of a British student in Thailand. The body of Katherine Horton, 21, was found in the sea of the island of Koh Samui yesterday morning. She had last been seen on Sunday night, walking along the beach, reportedly talking to her family on her mobile phone.
17 January 2006
Funeral held for Katherine Horton
A family funeral service has been held today for Katherine Horton, the backpacking student who was murdered in Thailand on New Year's Day. Around 200 mourners attended the service at St Isan's Church in Llanishen, including Miss Horton's parents and her two brothers. Following the service the coffin was taken to Thornhill Crematorium.