Fed: DNA tests clear Kovco's roomates

AAP General News (Australia)
08-01-2006
Fed: DNA tests clear Kovco's roomates

SYDNEY, Aug 1 AAP - DNA tests on the two soldiers who were with Private Jake Kovco
when he was fatally shot in Iraq have cleared them of having handled his gun.

NSW Police tested the two soldiers, codenamed 17 and 19, on Saturday after they were
flown back to Australia from Iraq.

NSW Police had asked the two soldiers undergo the voluntary tests after unidentified
DNA was found covering Pte Kovco's pistol.

The inquiry into Pte Kovco's death was today told the DNA on the weapon did not match
that samples from soldiers 17 and 19.

"They are not the contributors to the DNA," Detective Inspector Wayne Hayes told the inquiry.

NSW Police now plan to return to Baghdad to test other soldiers from Pte Kovco's unit.

The inquiry has previously heard that unidentified DNA was found covering the slide,
trigger and grip of Pte Kovco's pistol.

The Victorian soldier died on April 21 after being shot in the head with his own gun
in the tiny Baghdad barracks room he shared with soldiers 17 and 19.

Both have told the inquiry they did not see how Pte Kovco was shot.

Soldier 19 is expected to be questioned by the inquiry today.

AAP bt/klw/tnf/br

KEYWORD: KOVCO DNA

2006 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.