Father of backpacker murdered in Thailand says son was trying to save female victim
THE FATHER of a British man murdered in Thailand said it was likely his son was trying to help a woman being attacked before they were both killed.
Ian Miller said that it appeared that David, 24, has gone to the aid of Hannah Witheridge, 23, when the attack took place on Koh Tao a week ago.
He told the Daily Mail: "It has become clearer and clearer that it is quite likely David was stepping in to help a girl who was in trouble.
"That would be absolutely in his character."
The body of Miss Witheridge, 23, has been brought back to the UK, her family said, as they released a statement saying they were "broken" by the tragedy.
While Thai media reports suggest there are now two main suspects in the investigation Police Colonel Kissana Phathanacharoen said: "There are more than two suspects. It is too early to say how many suspects we are looking at."
Yesterday the force said they are investigating new evidence suggesting that the murders may have been due to "sexual jealousy".
A spokesman for the Royal Thai Police said that the force was also looking into claims that the pair had a row with a Thai man in a bar before they were killed.
Mr Phathanacharoen said: "We have discovered fresh evidence which could lead to a new suspect who may have had a relationship or one night stand with Hannah or one of her friends or David the night before they were killed."
Forensic tests on Hannah’s body revealed traces of semen from two men but neither matched DNA from the suspects or David
Post-mortem examinations revealed that Ms Witheridge, from Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, died from head wounds while Mr Miller, from Jersey, was killed by severe blows to the head and drowning.
The beaten, bloodstained bodies of the young travellers were found on a beach on Monday morning.
A post-mortem examination showed Hannah, 23, of Hemsby, Norfolk, died of head wounds while David, 24, from Jersey, died from severe blows to the head and drowning. Police believe three attackers, including two Asians, carried out the killings.
The bodies were found near the beach-side bungalows where the pair had been staying.
At first police suspected Burmese migrant workers. Then Christopher and James Ware, friends of David, were questioned but released.
Forensic tests on Hannah’s body revealed traces of semen from two men but neither matched DNA from the suspects or David.
Now, with the help of the FBI, those samples have been identified as both being from Asian men.
Yet nearly a week later, Royal Thai Police Commissioner Somyot Poompanmoung admitted he still had no clear picture of the killers. “It is safe. I’m sure it is safe,” he said, but asked about catching the killers, he added: “We have to wait.”
Family and friends fear local police action may have cost them the chance of catching the killers. They failed to seal off the crime scene and no one was prevented from leaving the island after the killings. British police say while no formal offer has been made, they are ready to send officers out to help.
Stephen Bett, Norfolk Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “I want no stone left unturned to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.” Island residents are offering a reward for information leading to the arrest of the killers.
