Gardaí hunt murder suspect who faked his own death

Investigators are offering a “substantial” reward for help to track down an Irishman who faked his own death after the murder of a young art student.

The body of Emer O’Loughlin, 23, was found in a burnt-out caravan in a field at Ballybornagh, Tubber, Co Clare, on April 8 2005.

John “Fozzy” Griffin (aged 43) went missing 10 days later.

He was spotted going to Inis Mor in the Aran Islands, off the west coast of Ireland, where his clothes were later found on a cliff top.

However, it was believed to be an attempt to fake his own suicide.

It is thought Griffin, of Cardinal Cushing Road, Mervue, Co Galway, may have travelled to the UK, Germany, the Netherlands or Spain.

He is also known an John McDermott. Interpol has named him on their most wanted list.

Ms O’Loughlin, a student at the Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, from Ennistymon, Co Clare, had been living in Ballybornagh for a number of years before her death.

A murder inquiry was launched after her body was exhumed and forensically examined in May 2010 on the recommendation of a cold-case team.

Superintendent Pat Murray said gardaí are very anxious to speak to Griffin.

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

Crimestoppers (1800 25 00 25), a confidential hotline, offers rewards for information which can significantly help gardaí in their investigation.