Gardaí hope DNA can help solve suspected murder

GARDAÍ are hoping new DNA evidence may lead to a prosecution in the suspected murder of a man who suddenly disappeared more than 20 years ago.

A massive investigation — spearheaded by the Garda cold case unit — began early yesterday with the exhumation of human remains at a cemetery near Castlepollard, Co Westmeath.

The remains are thought to be those of Brian McGrath, but they have never been formally identified.

Mr McGrath, a 43-year-old father of four vanished from his home in nearby Coole, in March 1987.

Gardaí received confidential information in 1993 which raised “serious concerns” about his safety. As a result, a dig of a field near the McGrath family home unearthed partial remains.

A woman was questioned but the case faltered, partly because the identity of the body was not proved.

The remains are partial and there are some reports the body was set alight before being secretly buried.

Detectives suspect he may have been murdered, although it is not formally a murder investigation.

Gardaí yesterday said developments in forensic technologies, particularly DNA, led to a breakthrough.

“Using new technologies and investigative techniques, including DNA, which were not available to the original investigation team, it is felt that the investigation can now be progressed,” said Garda spokesman Supt Kevin Donohoe. The operation was led by the Garda Serious Crime Review Team - set up last year to review unsolved, or cold, cases, — and gardaí in the Longford/Westmeath division. They were assisted by a crime scene investigation team from the Garda Technical Bureau, a soil surveying company, an anthropologist working for the State Pathologist and a scientist from the Forensic Science Laboratory. Up to 25 gardaí are involved.

Supt Donohoe said the investigation team was examining the McGrath home and lands while the other experts were assisting in either examining the remains or the grave at Whitehall Cemetery near Castlepollard.

The remains were removed to Dublin city morgue for postmortem examination and further tests.

Supt Donohoe said the information received in 1993 raised “serious concerns” for Mr McGrath’s safety. “A comprehensive investigation was undertaken at the time and following the discovery of what was believed to be the remains of Mr McGrath, a file was submitted to the director of public prosecutions. No prosecution was taken against any party.”

He said the exhumation hoped to establish if the remains are Mr McGrath and, secondly, establish the circumstances of his death.

“As part of the investigation a number of people will be spoken to, including family members. But no one is being questioned. Certainly no one is being arrested at this time.”

Mr McGrath, from Dublin, was well liked in the area. “He was a good man, a good family man, a good neighbour,” said one neighbour.