Murder Investigation – Sandra Collins – killala Co. Mayo

The Gardaí at Ballina are investigating the murder of 28 year old Sandra Collins who went missing on Monday the 4 December 2000 from the small village of Killala, Co. Mayo.  She had lived in the village with her Aunt who she looked after for a number of years. Sandra left her Aunt's house at Courthouse Street, Killala on the Monday evening at 7.30 pm.

At 7.45pm she arrived at a local shop where she bought some groceries for her Aunt and a neighbour.  She was last seen at the local takeaway at around 11:15pm that night.  Four days later on the 8 December 2000 her fleece was found on the pier in Killala. A half-pound of sausages that Sandra bought in the shop earlier where still in the pocket of the fleece.

Sandra’s sister Bridie and brother Patrick made an appeal for information to help them find her remains, and to allow them to bury their sister. Detective Superintendent Frank Finn was in studio to explain the impact of such a case on a small community like Kilalla and made the following appeal.

Garda Appeal:

• We would like to thank the public for their assistance to date. Despite an extensive investigation, both Sandra's family and An Garda Síochána are still hoping that you can you provide the investigation with any information that may assist the team?
• Do you have information as the whereabouts of Sandra’s remains? Can you take us from that last sighting of Sandra at the local chipper in Kilala to where her remains are now?
• The investigation continues as it has done for the last 24 years. An Garda Síochána are committed to seeking justice for Sandra and the Collins family. We may or may not have spoken to you previously, either way it's never too late to assist the investigation: Perhaps you have information you thought was insignificant at the time, or it could be that after 24 years your circumstances have changed. We would like to assure you that you will be treated in a respectful, compassionate and sensitive manner.
• Sandra's family have been devastated and are grieving her loss for 24 years now. It is possible that information you have may help progress this investigation and help give the Collins' family some closure as they face into the 25th year without her. It's never too late to do the right thing and give Sandra and her family what they deserve.

Ballina Garda Station – Tel: (096) 20560