Reward offered for leads on suspect who faked death

COLD-CASE gardaí have offered a substantial reward to anyone with information about a “most wanted” criminal they believe faked his own death after the murder of a young arts student six years ago.

Officers have confirmed they are searching for John “Fozzy” Griffin, aged 43, who went missing 10 days after the body of Emer O’Loughlin, aged 23, was found in a burnt-out caravan on April 8, 2005.

The incident was initially seen as a tragedy.

However, after Ms O’Loughlin’s body was exhumed last year on a Garda recommendation, the case was upgraded to murder.

The body of Ms O’Loughlin, who was from Ennistymon in Co Clare and was studying at the Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, was discovered at the caravan site at Ballybornagh, Tubber, Co Clare.

Initially, it was believed Griffin, from Cardinal Cushing Road in Mervue, Co Galway, took his own life in the aftermath of the murder.

This theory was strengthened by the fact that he was seen near Inis Mór in the Aran Islands in the hours before his clothes were found on a clifftop.

However, speaking via Crimestoppers, investigation Superintendent Pat Murray said officers now believe this was an attempt to fake his death.

It is believed Griffin, also known as John McDermott, has been living in Britain, Germany, the Netherlands or Spain since the incident six years ago.

Last year, he was named by international police group, Interpol as one of its “most wanted” criminals .

Gardaí launched a full murder inquiry into the death of Ms O’Loughlin after her body was exhumed and forensically examined in May 2010 on the recommendation of a cold-case team.

“If you know of his present whereabouts, or if you have any other information which may be helpful, please contact Crimestoppers,” said Supt Murray.

A Garda spokesperson declined to clarify whether officers have obtained fresh information in recent months on Mr Griffin’s whereabouts.

Crimestoppers is a confidential hotline which offers rewards for information that can help gardaí in their investigation.

It can be contacted confidentially between 9am and 9pm on 1800 250025.