Tina Satchwell murder: 'The whole thing has been like watching a movie unfold'

Locals react to news that humans remains have been found in the search for missing Tina Satchwell

The breakthrough in the investigation into the suspected murder of Ms Satchwell happened when what appeared to be skeletal remains were found under the floor of her home, and later removed from the scene. Picture: Larry Cummins

“It is like watching a movie unfold”. 

This is how one local reacted to the news that gardaí found human remains in the search for Tina Satchwell.

The breakthrough in the investigation into the suspected murder of Ms Satchwell happened late on Wednesday when what appeared to be skeletal remains were found under the floor of her home in east Cork. 

The Cork woman was reported as missing in March 2017, and despite exhaustive searches and numerous public appeals, was not seen since.

Detectives began searching the property on Tuesday and following the discovery of the remains, the decision was taken to call in the services of the assistant state pathologist Margot Bolster.

The remains are understood to have been found under floorboards in the house where the 45-year-old used to live.

They were removed to Cork University Hospital where they will be subject to further examination including DNA analysis.

DNA analysis can be completed within 24 hours.

Tina Satchwell's family is devastated.

As searches of the property continued on Thursday, gardaí arrested a man in his 50s across the road from the Walter Raleigh Hotel, a few hundred metres from Youghal Garda Station.

Gardaí were continuing to question him last night at a garda station in Cobh.

Detectives also began searching a site about 6km from the town between Youghal and Killeagh. That search has now been completed.

Locals reacted with shock on hearing news of the discovery of the remains.

Forrest Sharpe, who lives next door to the house on Grattan St, told the Irish Examiner: “It’s disturbing. We’ve been living with this for years. It’s been a mystery right next door.”

He said, because he works nights, the first he realised gardaí were next door was when colleagues at work told him his home was on the news. 

“Then, I was watching them from the back window watching them dig and I was hoping they would find someone,” he said.

“It’s very chilling to think they have found a body in your neighbour’s house.”

A person who used to live on the other side of the house, but who did not want to be named, said: “If this is Tina’s remains, I think it will be a good thing for her poor family and help give them some closure.”

Aishling Griffin, a former resident of Fermoy who lives in Youghal, said: “The whole thing has been like watching a movie unfold. It’s like nothing I’ve ever experienced before because this sort of thing has only always happened somewhere else far away. 

"I do hope that, if what they have found does turn out to be that poor lady, this does bring some form of closure to her family.”

Radio presenter Denise Fitzgerald recalled sometimes encountering Ms Satchwell as both women walked their dogs. 

“She was a friendly woman and quite happy to stop for a short chat,” Denise said.

Flowers at the scene on Grattan St, Youghal, Co Cork. Picture: Larry Cummins

“Our dogs were a common denominator. It’s just appalling that someone is dead who shouldn’t be dead. And we don’t know why.”

It is understood that Ms Satchwell’s family is devastated by the news. 

Mother of one Mary Cowman said her “heart goes out” to them.

Another woman, who asked not to be named, added: “This whole episode has hung over this town for so long now.

“I cannot imagine what Tina’s family must have had to go through, and what they must be going through now.”

Former HSE worker Ger Hogan said “a big cloud was hanging over the town” for years while Youghal tourist office manager Sandra McLellan, echoing sympathy for Ms Satchwell’s family, did not feel the situation would “have any major impact on the town from a tourism perspective”.

Kay Curtin, said she was “glad for the family’s sake” and that “everyone is upset and glad at the same time”. 

Tina Satchwell was reported as missing in March 2017. Picture: Theresa Dingivan Facebook

Publican Paul Dempsey of Bertie’s Bar said Ms Satchwell’s disappearance had been a regular topic of conversation in the bar.

Meanwhile, gardaí said an investigation team based in Midleton Garda Station continues to investigate all the circumstances around the disappearance of Ms Satchwell.

Superintendent Adrian Gamble expressed sympathy for her family and urged anyone with information to come forward.

“The family of Tina Satchwell continue to be updated on the progress of this investigation by an appointed family liaison officer and my thoughts and the thoughts of the investigation team continue to be with them at this difficult time.

“Again, I appeal to any person who may have information on the murder of Tina Satchwell, no matter how insignificant you may think that information is, to contact the investigation team at Midleton Garda Station on 021 462 1550, the Garda Confidential Line on (1800) 666111 or any Garda station.”