Gardai have issued a fresh appeal for information into the brutal murder of Southside teen Raonaid Murray in Dun Laoghaire 17 years ago.
September 4 of this year marked the 17th anniversary of the killing of the 17-year-old year old.
Although nobody was ever charged with the death, the gardai, in a statement, said they remained fully committed to the investigation of Raonaid’s murder.
“The full time Incident Room remains in situ at Dun Laoghaire Garda Station,” gardai said. “The Serious Crime Review Team at NBCI, Garda HQ continue to provide invaluable assistance to the investigation team at Dun Laoghaire.”
In a bid to jog people’s memories, gardai re-released details of Raonaid’s last hours.
On the night before she died, Raonaid worked at a clothes shop then known as Sally West in Dun Laoghaire Shopping Centre.
She left the shop at approximately 9pm on September 3, 1999 and went with a friend to Scott’s Public House in Dun Laoghaire.
She made arrangements with a friend to go to a nightclub later that night. She left Scott’s at approximately 11.20pm to go home and change before heading back out.
Her house is about a 15 minute walk from Scott’s Public House but she never made it home. Her body was then found at Silchester Crescent in Glenageary at 12.33am on Saturday, September 4 1999, less than 500 yards from her home.
Gardai, together with Raonaid’s family, are now renewing their appeal for any information which may assist in their continued investigation.
“Raonaid was only 17 at the time of her murder and her circle of friends are now adults, many with their own families,” gardai said. “We have recently contacted and spoken again with a number of Raonaid’s close friends and their assistance has been greatly appreciated. As part of the ongoing review of this investigation gardai are requesting those who knew Raonaid well to contact the Investigation Team at Dun Laoghaire Garda Station.
“If any person has any information which could assist in identifying a motive for the murder of Raonaid and, or if any person has any doubts about the veracity of an alibi provided, we would appeal for your immediate assistance. You may be unknowingly shielding a killer.
“The solving of this murder is of the utmost priority for An Garda Síochána and any information received will be treated with absolute confidentiality.”
The gardai added that therie investigation team wished to thank the public for “the invaluable assistance provided in this ongoing investigation to date”.
The gardai and Raonaid’s family implore anyone with information to contact the Garda Incident Room at Dun Laoghaire Garda Station on 01-6665000 / 6665012 or alternatively the Garda Confidential line on 1800666111 or any Garda station. A reward for critical information received is available from Crimestoppers – Freephone 1800250025.