‘Cold case’ team to re-examine 10-year-old murder
Eddie Fitzmaurice, aged 83, was bound, gagged and beaten during a robbery of his drapery shop and home in the village of Bellaghy, near Charlestown, on the Sligo-Mayo border, in May 1998.
The popular widower was left for dead and was not found for five days. His death shocked the area, and sparked a massive investigation by local gardaí.
However, despite more than 800 statements from the public, more than 900 lines of inquiry and the arrest of 14 people, there has been no prosecution.
The Garda’s Serious Crime Review Team (SCRT) has conducted an initial examination of the case and has decided to carry out a full investigation into the murder.
A formal national media appeal will take place in two to three weeks time.
The so-called “cold case” unit believes there is potential to make progress in the investigation based on the evidence gathered and suspects for the murder.
They said they will examine the forensic evidence and analyse in detail the statements of witnesses.
“If a decision has been made to carry out a full investigation, then there is potential, both in terms of evidence and suspects,” said one Garda source.
He declined to go into specifics, but said they had a number of lines of inquiry in relation to suspects.
The eight-man team will take the entire case apart and build the investigation up again from scratch.
This will involve a meticulous examination of all statements and evidence, with “fresh eyes” by detectives who have extensive experience in murder investigations.
Sources said the local detective unit had done “a huge amount of work” and was still working on the case.
When the SCRT starts its investigation it will formally take over and assume control of the files on the case.
Officers hope a national media appeal will “stir minds and memories” of people with information.
“This was a tragic death,” said the Garda source.
“It was terrible on the poor man, gagged and bound and left to die.”
Mr Fitzmaurice lived above his drapery shop, which he ran for over 40 years. He died of hypothermia.
Anyone with information can contact the Garda Confidential Line Freefone 1800 666 111.
