Gardaí investigating death of woman in Roscommon examine two cars for her DNA

The examination of the cars — involving forensic and DNA tests — is to try and determine whether or not Mirjana Pap was in either vehicle

Mirjana Pap was reported missing from her home on Saturday, 28 December

Gardaí are conducting DNA and forensic tests on two cars to see if either vehicle was used to transport a mother whose body was found near a ditch in a field in Co Roscommon on Monday.

Investigators are awaiting the results of a post mortem examination to determine the cause of the woman’s death — and these findings will direct the nature of the criminal investigation.

Croatian national Mirjana Pap was reported missing from her home in Athlone, Co Westmeath, the previous Saturday. A Garda appeal said the 58-year-old was last seen in Athlone in the early hours of Saturday and that both gardaí and her family had “serious concerns” for her well-being.

Gardaí gathered information that resulted in a search of a specific area of open lands at Curraghaleen in Co Roscommon, some 10kms from Athlone. This led to the discovery of Ms Pap’s body near a ditch in farmlands, accessible by local roads.

It is understood that the manner in which her body was found prevented gardaí from seeing whether or not there were obvious signs of injury. The scene was preserved until the body was removed to University Hospital Galway for a full post mortem examination by the Deputy State Pathologist.

The area at Curraghaleen was preserved for forensic examination. A key part of the garda investigation was determining how Ms Pap got from Athlone to the rural location, some 15 minutes’ drive away.

A Garda statement on Tuesday morning said: “Examinations are currently underway at the scene [at Curraghaleen] and at a residential property in Athlone by the Garda Technical Bureau. Two cars have also been seized for examination.” 

The examination of the cars — involving forensic and DNA tests — is to try and determine whether or not Ms Pap was in either vehicle and other key evidence.

It is understood that investigators are satisfied they have a handle on the investigation.

Ms Pap had been living in Athlone for more than 20 years and had a number of grown-up children.

It is understood that at the same time as her body was found that gardaí arrested a person known to Ms Pap on a completely separate matter. That person was still in custody throughout Tuesday.

The course of the garda investigation is dependent on the results of the autopsy, which will inform if it is upgraded or not. If not, the gardaí will forward a file to the coroner, for an inquest.

It is thought the forensic and DNA examinations, of the house and at Curraghaleen, in addition to the two cars may take some days.

The Garda statement on Tuesday said: “Gardaí in Athlone are investigating all of the circumstances surrounding the death of a woman in her 50s following the discovery of a body on lands at Curraghaleen, Co Roscommon (near Athlone) on Monday afternoon, December 30, 2024.

“The local coroner has been notified and the woman's body has been removed to the mortuary at University Hospital Galway for a post-mortem examination by the Deputy State Pathologist.

“A senior investigating officer has been appointed to lead the investigation and an incident room has been established at Athlone Garda Station. A family liaison officer has also been assigned to provide support to the family.” 

It added: “Anyone with any information is asked to contact Athlone Garda Station on 090 649 8550 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.”

A GoFundMe page set up to assist with funeral costs has gathered €15,000 from over 300 contributors.