This Unit is currently involved in the ongoing review of a number of unresolved homicides within the State dating back to 1980.
Today (14th August 2009) the Serious Crime Review Team (SCRT) are providing an enhancement to the Garda web site, which will be beneficial in endeavouring to solve crimes where the initial investigation had yielded insufficient evidence to bring perpetrators to justice.
A synopsis of a limited number of cases which are currently under review by the SCRT are now available on the www.Garda.ie website. Further cases will be added over time.
For example, the initial five cases include the case of Raonaid Murray, the ten year anniversary of this case will take place on the 3rd / 4th September 2009.
Cases currently available on the site:
1. Raonaid Murray - Murdered at Silchester Crescent, Glenageary, on 3/4 September 1999.
2. Eddie Fitzmaurice - Found dead in his home at Bellaghy, Charlestown, Co. Mayo, on 6 May 1998. He had last been seen alive at 8 pm on 1 May 1998.
3. Dessie Fox - Murdered at Healy’s Bridge, Prosperous, Co. Kildare, on 30 September 1990.
4. Lorcan O’Byrne - Murdered at The Angler’s Rest Pub, Chapeliziod, on 11 October 1981.
5. Nora Sheehan - Found dead at Shippool, Innishannon, Co. Cork, on 12 June 1981. She had last been seen alive outside the South Infirmary Hospital, Cork, at 9:45 pm on 6 June 1981.
Speaking at the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation at Harcourt Square today, Detective Superintendent Christy Mangan, who is in charge of the Serious Crime Review Team commented:
“This is an investigation tool widely used by a number of other police forces involved in reviews of unresolved serious crime. It is hoped that persons who may have significant information in relation to a particular unresolved crime, and who in the past have been unable and / or unwilling to contact Gardaí will do so now through this innovative process.”
He added: “The facility to contact the lead investigator by email is inbuilt into the site. Contact can also be made through the Garda Confidential line and / or through Crimestoppers. The cases featured on this website are a selection of those cases currently being re-examined by the Serious Crime Review Team. Further cases will be added to the site over time.”
History of the Serious Crime Review Team:
The Garda Commissioner established the Serious Crime Review Team in August 2007. Based at the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Harcourt Square, and initially tasked with reviews of all unresolved homicides within the State dating back to 1980. It comes under the umbrella of the Assistant Commissioner, National Support Services. Its current strength is one Detective Superintendent, one Detective Inspector, two Detective Sergeants, and four Detective Gardaí.
Progress to date:
This Unit is currently involved in the ongoing review of a number of unresolved homicides within the State dating back to 1980. These reviews are progressing at differing levels.
To date, charges have been laid against three (3) persons for their involvement in historical murders. These persons are currently before the courts.
In addition, files in a number of separate cases have been submitted to the Law Officers.
The Unit has a dedicated Forensic Scientist from the Forensic Science Laboratory, Garda Headquarters, attached to it. Trace evidence from a number of unsolved cases is currently being reassessed there.
Services of The State Pathologists Office, of a Clinical Anthropologist and of a forensic psychologist are also available to and regularly used the Unit.
Each member of the Unit has widespread experience in the investigation of serious crime. They have received training both within An Garda Siochana and from Police forces in Europe, in Canada with the Royal Canadian mounted police and in America with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is affiliated to a number of Police Review Groups internationally.
No interviews will be facilitated in relation to this initiative.
Garda Press Office
17.10hrs 14th August 2009
