Fed: Police to reveal DNA results in Kovco case

AAP General News (Australia)
08-17-2006
Fed: Police to reveal DNA results in Kovco case

SYDNEY, August 17 AAP - NSW Police are expected to reveal today whether they have identified
the source of unidentified DNA found on the gun which killed Private Jake Kovco in Iraq.

NSW homicide squad detectives flew to Baghdad earlier this month to carry out voluntary
DNA tests on Pte Kovco's colleagues after it emerged unidentified genetic material was
found on his 9mm pistol.

The tests came after detectives told the inquiry into Pte Kovco's death last month
they had found unidentified DNA on the gun's trigger, slide and grip.

Pte Kovco died on April 21 after being shot in the head with his pistol while in his
Baghdad barracks with his two roommates.

Both roommates were flown back to Australia late last month to undergo voluntary DNA
tests, which found neither were the source of the mystery DNA.

Detective Inspector Wayne Hayes, who led the NSW Police homicide squad's investigation
into Pte Kovco's death, is due to appear at the inquiry today to reveal whether the latest
round of voluntary tests had identified the DNA source.

Pte Kovco's DNA was also found on the gun, but no fingerprints could be detected.

The inquiry resumes at 10am (AEST).

AAP bt/was/it/sd

KEYWORD: KOVCO DAYLEAD

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