DNA DEAD END
Detectives thwarted despite fingernail evidence
NORTH Queensland detectives have been denied a breakthrough in a two-year investigation into a man’s death after a key suspect denied involvement.
Detectives started probing the cause of Lance Godbold’s death after he was found in his Ingham home in 2018.
Police believe Mr Godbold was assaulted on the front lawn of his Conroy Street home in the early hours of October 3, before he crawled back inside his home.
The 66-year-old was found with blood on his face and a bump on his head, but police believe he died of a heart attack.
They were trying to determine whether the heart attack was caused by the fight. Detectives initially made little headway finding the offender, who witnesses reported drove from the scene in a ute.
They doorknocked neighbours after the incident without success.
Their efforts finally paid off when a skin sample from underneath Mr Godbold’s fingernails returned a DNA match to an Ingham man.
Ingham Criminal Investigation Branch officer-in-charge Detective Senior Sergeant Andrew Bye interviewed the man, but said the lead then hit a dead end.
“That person was interviewed and denied any knowledge of how the DNA was present,” he said.
“He denied any knowledge of being there.”
Sgt Bye said it was disappointing to have insufficient evidence to prove any intent or take the matter to court.
“That’s the frustrating part … we put a lot of time and effort into this,” he said.
Sgt Bye said Mr Godbold’s death had a significant impact on the small community, and on his wife, Lynn.
“It’s still not easy for her … she’s just getting along day by day,” Sgt Bye said.
A report is being prepared for the coroner, who is expected to take over the investigation.