Forensics scour Elgin murder scene where mum was ‘battered to death’ in bed as cops hunt for killer
MURDER cops hunting for the killer of Kiesha Donaghy were spotted scouring the area for clues today.
Around ten forensics officers in white and blue suits carried out a painstaking search of the streets around the 32-year-old mum’s home in Elgin.
They used specialist poles to examine the streets and also lifted drain covers to check inside for evidence – which could include a potential murder weapon.
Detectives also carried out door to door enquiries while floral tributes were left outside Kiesha’s house where she was slain.
One onlooker said: “There has been a lot of police activity which is understandable while the killer is still on the loose.
“It’s scary to think that a murderer is out there so everyone in the area is on edge. Hopefully they catch the person soon.”
We told how cops admitted Kiesha may have been clubbed to death over a drug debt.
It came as locals claimed she was slaughtered in her own home because she owed dealers cash.
Detective Superintendent Lorna Ferguson revealed that was one line of enquiry being probed by the squad trying to snare the killer.
She said: “We can’t rule that out. We need to look at Kiesha’s lifestyle and who her friends and her associates are.
“We’re trying to build up a picture around her associations and activities in the lead up to her death.”
The top cop told how she has a squad of more than 40 officers, inlcuding murder detectives, on the trail of the killer.
Kiesha was found lying in bed after a brutal assault that left her with horrific head injuries. Police crews are now trying to find the weapon.
DS Ferguson said: “It was quite a violent attack.
“As to the weapon, we’re unable to establish what that may be at this point in time.
“We have forensic work ongoing at the scene. That will continue and things will become clearer.”
Officers haven’t found evidence that anything was nicked from Kiesha’s ground floor flat.
At the moment they don’t have a suspect and they have no idea if the mum-of-two knew her killer.
But DS Ferguson spoke directly to the culprit to warn them they’ll be hearing a knock at the door sooner rather than later.
She said: “I would say that somebody somewhere knows who you are. And anybody with information please contact us.
“We have a thorough investigation ongoing. I have no doubt through the fullness of time through witnesses, CCTV and other means that we will catch them.”
It emerged that Kiesha was stripped of her driving licence in April this year after being caught drug driving.
That came weeks after her boyfriend died in the same flat where she was found dead.
Friends told how she was trying to rebuild her life after the string of disasters.
DS Ferguson said: “Kiesha is a popular girl loved by her friends and family.
“She’s got her family in Elgin and lots of friends who are clearly concerned about her, and devastated about her death.”
The murder has sent shockwaves through the Moray town and cops are trying to reassure the public that they are not in danger.
DS Ferguson said: “There are real concerns in the community and I can understand that. We have uniformed officers who are carrying out reassurance patrols in Elgin
“It is an unusual incident. I’ve got no information to suggest that anybody else is at risk. I’ll remain open minded on that.”
Kiesha was found dead in her own bed last Thursday. It’s feared she could have been lying since the night before.
Pals claimed she was battered to death then hidden under a pile of clothes by the killer.
One said it was thought they’d found a “discoloured mop” before they realised it was Kiesha.
Friends revealed they were shocked that Kiesha was getting close to an ex-jailbird in the run up to her death.
It’s claimed he boasted about just getting released after serving 14 years for setting someone on fire.