The Otago Daily Times reported in February police had suspected John Woods murdered his brother-in-law, James Patrick Ward, in 1962.
Mr Ward died in hospital after opening a parcel addressed to him, which contained a bomb.
Police at the time were unable to prove Mr Woods was responsible. Mr Woods has since died.
Detective Senior Sergeant Kallum Croudis, now responsible for the Ward file, said yesterday police were submitting some of the original evidence to specialist examiners, both within police and at the Institute of Environmental Science and Research.
‘‘Technology has moved a vast distance in the period that has elapsed, and we are always hopeful of attributing the criminal act to an individual,’’ Det Snr Sgt Croudis said.
On the morning of February 5, 1962, Mr Ward was opening a parcel in his Stuart St office when it exploded, blowing off his left hand and seriously injuring his chest. He died in hospital later that day.
