SOUTH Australian Police will seek expert scientific advice to unlock new DNA evidence in a notorious 27-year cold case of a murdered Mount Gambier woman.
Yasmin Sinodinos – a 25-year-old mother-of-three – was found dead by passers-by after her body was dumped in scrubland at Tea Tree Gully in Adelaide on December 18, 1991.
She had been badly beaten, with prosecutors revealing at trial that her body contained just 20ml of blood at the time of the post-mortem examination.
Ms Sinodinos lived day-to-day in Mount Gambier and travelled to Adelaide frequently to associate with friends.
While a man was acquitted of her murder by a Supreme Court jury in 2014, investigators have confirmed he remains the only suspect in the case.
Since police went public over the weekend of their intentions to re-examine DNA evidence, there have been two fresh reports to Crime Stoppers SA.
The family of Ms Sinodinos is not speaking to media about the latest developments in the case.
It is possible for a person to be re-tried in South Australia if a court finds there is fresh and compelling evidence in the case.
Detective Sergeant Anthony van der Stelt, from the SA Police Major Crime Investigation Branch, said the acquittal did not mean the case was closed.
“Police have to respect the fact he has been acquitted and retains the presumption of innocence, however he remains our only suspect in this case,” Det Sgt van der Stelt said.
“We are taking advice from SA scientists on how to best achieve the best possible information with regard to the DNA evidence associated with the case.
“There was a significant body of DNA evidence in the trial, some of which was very strong, and some of which was not as strong as we hoped it might be.”
Det Sgt van der Stelt said DNA testing and profiling techniques were always being enhanced and improved.
“Having items retested is something we are looking at doing. We are constantly reviewing what opportunities are available, and are not afraid to seek out the world’s best practice in relation to forensic science,” the highly ranked detective said.
He said the continuous review of opportunities was part of Operation Persist, the Major Crime-led cold case campaign.
Since it was launched in 2015, Operation Persist has used a range of tactics in order to progress long-term unsolved murder cases, including the deliberate targeting of prison populations in order to highlight unsolved cases, a review of rewards offered, further forensic testing of exhibits and full case reviews.
Ms Sinodinos was last seen alive by a friend as she left a house at Gilles Plains about 6am on Sunday, December 15, 1991.
At that time she was seen to be in the company of a man as she got into what was believed to be a silver/grey coloured sedan.
The man who was acquitted of her murder was arrested following a DNA match being obtained, but told the court in his defence he had “hooked up” with the victim but denied any wrongdoing.
The court was also told three DNA profiles were found on her body, one of which matched the accused.
A $200,000 reward is available for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for her murder.
Anyone with information should report online at crimestopperssa.com.au or call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Callers can stay anonymous.
