Re - Appeal on the Murder of Eddie Fitzmaurice in 1998

The Gardaí at Swinford Garda Station are re-appealing for information on the murder of Edward (Eddie) Fitzmaurice, Bellaghy, Charlestown, Co.Mayo.

At 6.45pm on the 6th May 1998 Eddie’s body was found in a bedroom of his home.  It was 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 fourteen years. During this period of time it has been reviewed on an ongoing basis.  This was a particularly callous and brutal attack.  Eddie Fitzmaurice was 83 years old and lived alone.  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 Síochána are continuing to appeal for the public’s help.

Appeal:

• It is the belief of the investigation team that there are still persons who have information pertaining to this brutal crime. Gardaí are now appealing to them to come forward and tell the Gardaí what they know. This information may provide the key to solving this murder.

• Gardaí appeal to people with information who may have been under duress at the time of this brutal murder and did not come forward. However all these years later their circumstances may have changes and we would urge anyone with information to come forward.

• 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. Anyone with information no matter how insignificant they feel it may be to come forward.