Police use new DNA technology to re-examine Alicia O'Reilly murder

Saturday 16 August 2025 · 5 outlets · 4 reports · updated Sat 16 Aug 2025, 8:56am

Police are using a new genetic investigative tool to re-examine evidence in the 1980 rape and murder of six-year-old Alicia O'Reilly. The child was killed in her Auckland home 45 years ago. Investigators hope this forensic technology will provide new leads in the cold case.

How they headlined it

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1. RNZSat 16 Aug 2025, 7:55am

   Police use new DNA tech to re-examine death of 6-year-old, 45 years on (opens in new tab)

   Also on Stuff (opens in new tab)

2. NZ HeraldSat 16 Aug 2025, 7:58am

   Alicia O’Reilly cold case: New DNA tech offers hope in Avondale girl’s rape, murder (opens in new tab)

3. 1NewsSat 16 Aug 2025, 8:21am

   New DNA tech used to re-examine cold-case murder of 6yo, 45 years on (opens in new tab)

4. Otago Daily TimesSat 16 Aug 2025, 8:56am

   Police to re-examine murder of 6-year-old, 45 years on (opens in new tab)