This coming Bank Holiday Weekend is the 14th anniversary of the murder of Edward (Eddie) Fitzmaurice, Bellaghy, Charlestown, Co. Mayo.
At 6.45pm on the 6th May 1998 his body was found in a bedroom of his home. It has been established that sometime between 8.20pm on Friday the 1st May 1998 and Saturday morning the 2nd May 1998 Eddie was attacked in his home. He was assaulted, tied up, gagged and left to die over a period of five days.
The Garda investigation into the murder of Eddie Fitzmaurice has been co-ordinated from Charlestown and Swinford Garda Stations. Despite exhaustive efforts to identify the culprits, nobody has been charged to date with this crime.
The murder investigation has remained ongoing for the past 14 years. During this period of time it has been reviewed on an ongoing basis.
It is the belief of the investigation team that there are still persons who have information pertaining to this brutal crime. We are now appealing to them to come forward and tell the Gardai what they know. This information may provide the key to solving this murder.
Crimestoppers have offered a reward for information leading to the identification and prosecution of the perpetrators. This was a particularly callous and brutal attack on a defenceless elderly man.
Superintendent Colm Fox speaking at Swinford Garda station earlier today said.
"This was a particularly callous and brutal attack. Eddie Fitzmaurice was 83 years age and lived alone, in Bellaghy, Charlestown, County Sligo. He ran his own drapery shop for many years. Eddie was a popular member of the community, who went about his day to day business, in a quiet gentle manner.
Fourteen years on An Garda Siochana are continuing to appeal for your help. Their may be people with information but who were under duress at that time and did not come forward. However all these years later their circumstances may have changes and we would urge anyone with information to contact us here in Swinford.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Swinford Garda Station 094-9252990, or the Garda Confidential Freephone – 1800666111, or Crimestoppers Line – 1800250025.
