Gardaí tracing man for questioning in relation to Emer O'Loughlin's murder on 20th anniversary
Emer O'Loughlin, murdered on April 8, 2005. /IRISH CLARE GALWAY MURDER APRIL 2005
Gardaí are urging people to assist them in tracing a man they want to talk to in relation to the murder of Emer O’Loughlin in Co Clare 20 years ago.
Detectives believe the man, John Griffin, is still alive. They also believe that, at the time of his disappearance, he was assisted by another person or people to leave the island of Inis Mór.
Ms O’Loughlin, 23, lived with her boyfriend at Ballybornagh, Tubber, Co Clare, in a mobile home that belonged to Mr Griffin.
On April 8, 2005, a fire completely destroyed the mobile home and human remains discovered inside were identified as being Ms Loughlin’s.
Some five years later, on May 19, gardaí exhumed her remains and forensic anthropological tests were conducted. They indicated that she had died a violent death and a murder investigation was launched.
A statement issued by Garda HQ said: “Investigating gardaí are hopeful that the public can assist with efforts to trace John Griffin, formerly of the Mervue area of Galway City.
“Gardaí believe that John Griffin may have information that will assist them, and are eager to interview him as part of the investigation.
“Investigating gardaí believe that John Griffin is still alive and at the time of his disappearance, he was assisted by a person or persons unknown in leaving the island of Inis Mór.”
The statement said that gardaí never received a missing person report in respect of Mr Griffin.
“Extensive searches were conducted along the coastline following the finding of his clothing, however, he has never been sighted nor has his body ever been recovered,” the statement said.
It said Mr Griffin is described as being 180cm in height (5ft 11") and is now 57 years of age.
“He is of a slight build and bald on the top of his head. He often sported a beard, which was shaved off on occasion,” the statement said.
“He has a distinctive Egyptian ‘Eye of Horus’ tattoo on his throat area. He speaks with a local accent.”
The statement said: “This year is the 20th year since Emer’s death, and her family are still struggling to come to terms with her loss. [They] are asking for your assistance in order to bring them closure.
"If you believe you may be in a position to bring closure and get justice for them, gardaí would like to hear from you.”
It added: “Do you have any information that may assist with the investigation? Gardaí may have spoken to you previously and, due to the passage of time, you may now feel better placed to assist with the investigation. Have you seen or spoken to John Griffin, also known as ‘Fozzie’, at the time or in the intervening years? Do you know the current whereabouts of John Griffin?”
Anyone with information can contact Gort Garda Station on 091 636400, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any garda station.
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