Security man explains why DNA found in Michaela room

A man previously arrested in relation to the murder of Michaela McAreavey has given an interview explaining why his DNA was found in the room where she died.

Dassen Narayanen, a security guard in the Legends Hotel in Mauritius, was arrested after the 27-year-old Tyrone woman’s body was discovered in a bath in the hotel’s room 1025.

The former security guard was initially charged with aiding to commit a crime but the inquiry, involving him, did not progress to the trial stage.

In an interview on a local news station and reported on Mauritian online news site Defiplus, Mr Narayanen said his fingerprints were found there because he had given a towel to Ms McAreavey’s husband John.

“I had just finished my usual round when I heard screams of John McAreavey: ‘I need help, I need help’,” Mr Narayanen told Radio Plus. “As a security officer, I rescued him.”

He said he had gone into room 1025 where Michaela McAreavey lay dead.

“It was stupid. On entering the room I saw the body of the victim on the ground. I went into the bathroom to find a towel for John McAreavey. This is how my DNA traces were found in the room,” he said.

Mauritian media have been told by police sources that an arrest is imminent in the case and that the chief suspect is a former Legends employee.

Le Matinal reported the individual had been seen near the sea shortly after the crime. Witnesses had said the sliding door of the room 1025 was open and provided access to the beach.

Officers have identified five witnesses, including a German tourist and Avinash Treebhoowon, who they believe can provide incriminating evidence against the suspect.

They have forensic evidence from the initial investigation but are awaiting the arrival of new analytical tests.

Furthermore, the new team is also investigating whether at least one of the jurors who cleared Avinash Treebhoowoon and Sandip Mooneea knew the accused before the trial.

Local media is reporting that a juror, or jurors, may have lived very close to one of the men.