Investigation into missing Kerry farmer Michael Gaine upgraded to homicide

Michael Gaine missing person, Kerry

The investigation into the disappearance of Michael Gaine, a Kerry farmer, last seen on March 21, has been upgraded to a homicide investigation. 

The 56-year-old was last seen in Kenmare town on Thursday, March 20. He bought phone credit in Centra, Kenmare, at 9.48am, and left in his bronze-coloured RAV4 registration 152 KY 366.

The vehicle was found parked in his farmyard, just off the N71 at Carrig East. When last seen, Michael was wearing an orange woolly hat, black fleece, blue jeans, and black boots.

In an update on Tuesday evening, gardaí have said that based on all the information available to the investigation team at Killarney Garda Station, the missing person investigation has "now been reclassified as a homicide investigation.

"A formal criminal investigation has now commenced," a garda spokesperson said. 

In law, a homicide investigation refers to unlawful killing, with two main categories of murder, which generally requires intention, and manslaughter.

When last seen, Michael was wearing an orange woolly hat, black fleece, blue jeans, and black boots.

Over the past five weeks of the investigation, over 320 formal jobs/enquiries have been carried out, nearly 130 witness statements have been taken, and approximately 2,200 hours of CCTV/dash cam footage have been viewed by the investigation team. Extensive searches have also been carried out, gardaí said.

"An Garda Síochána continue to keep Michael's family fully informed, and they have been updated as to the change in status of this investigation," the spokesperson said. 

"An Garda Síochána continue to support Michael's family through a Family Liaison Officer as they come to terms with this update."

Gardaí say that despite extensive enquiries carried out so far, his remains have not been recovered. 

Gardaí are seeking information from anyone who can assist us in bringing Michael back to his family and are appealing to any person who may have any information about what happened to Michael on Thursday, March 20, to contact the Garda Investigation Team.

"There are person or persons who know what happened on March 20, 2025," the spokesperson said. 

"If you have not been in a position to speak to An Garda Síochána about the information you have, or have already spoken to An Garda Síochána but have more information that you can provide, An Garda Síochána is appealing to you to come forward with that information.

"Information received will be treated in the strictest confidence.

"The Garda Investigation Team can be contacted at Killarney Garda Station on 064 667 1160, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or speak with any member of An Garda Síochána at any Garda Station nationwide," the spokesperson added.