John Crawford who had an address in Ellensborough Park, Tallaght was last seen on Aughrim Street on 18th October 2000.
He was classified as a missing person and his disappearance was investigated by Gardaí at the Bridewell.
On the 28th January 2001 we first raised awareness of John’s case to the media by issuing a press release. We were seeking the public’s assistance in helping us to locate him.
Investigating Gardaí remained in regular contact with his family and continued to try and establish his whereabouts.
On 15th October 2002 his case was highlighted on Crimeline and in April 2007 it was again featured on Crimecall. As late as August 2010 his image was age progressed to 38 years and circulated internationally through Interpol.
In the autumn of 2011 our Serious Crime Review Team conducted a preliminary examination of the case and from some of John’s personal possessions they obtained a DNA profile which was circulated internationally.
As a result, this DNA profile was compared to the DNA profile of human remains discovered on Annaside Beach, Bootle, England, in December 2000. The Cumbria Constabulary were investigating the discovery of the remains. Both profiles matched.
Without the diligent work of their major investigation team this match would never have been made.
We would like to thank all those who highlighted this case in the media for their assistance.
