Gardaí continue to quiz suspect in Michael Gaine murder case

Michael Gaine: Last seen alive buying mobile phone credit at a Centra shop in Kenmare on March 20, 2025.

Gardaí continue to question a man this morning about the murder of Michael Gaine, whose dismembered remains were found in a slurry spreader on his Kerry farm.

The suspect, aged in his 50s, can be held by gardaí until Wednesday afternoon, at which point he will have to be charged or released.

New evidence unearthed by investigating gardaí led to his arrest. It is believed to be circumstantial in nature.

He was arrested after 7.30am on Tuesday in Tralee but his detention was paused overnight for a rest period, it is understood.

He is being questioned at Castleisland Garda Station in Kerry.

The suspect was detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984, which permits gardaí to detain him for up to 24 hours. Detention can be paused to allow for rest breaks.

Remains found in slurry spreader

Mr Gaine’s remains were first found in a slurry spreader on his farm outside Kenmare last May.

The 56-year-old farmer and motorsports enthusiast was reported missing from his home near Kenmare on March 21, 2025.

He was last seen alive buying mobile phone credit at a Centra shop in Kenmare on March 20, 2025.

He drove off in his vehicle, a Toyota Rav4, which was later found at his farmyard in Carrig East outside Kenmare.

Mr Gaine’s mobile phone and wallet were found in his vehicle.

Hundreds of people had unsuccessfully searched his 1,000 acre farm at Carrig East, approximately 8k from Kenmare, following his disappearance.

Defence Forces members, Kerry Mountain Rescue, the Civil Defence, the Garda Water Unit Team, and many local volunteers were involved in the search.

Last May, human tissue was found on his farm when a relative was spreading slurry.

The relative noticed a blockage in the slurry spreader, and after inspection they found what appeared to be human body parts.

During a subsequent search of the slurry tank, gardaí found more human remains.

The remains were later identified as those of Mr Gaine.

Gardaí previously arrested former US soldier Michael Kelley on suspicion of Mr Gaine's murder.

Mr Kelley was arrested last May, days after Mr Gaine's remains were found on his farm. But he was released without charge a day later. He has denied killing Mr Gaine.

Mr Kelley had been living on Mr Gaine’s farm at Carrig East when the farmer disappeared.

Following Mr Gaine’s death, he moved to Tralee and has been staying in State-funded accommodation, it is understood.

Mr Kelley had applied for asylum in Ireland but his application was rejected.

Kerry's Serious Crime Unit is leading the murder investigation, with support from the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (GNBCI).

Family liaison officers continue to support Mr Gaine’s family.