GARDAÍ have said they remained fully committed to the investigation of the murder of Raonaid Murray 20 years ago.
Last week, on the 20th anniversary of the shocking killing of the Southside teen, a renewed media appeal was launched for information into the death.
“September 4, 2019 marks the 20th anniversary of the brutal murder of 17-year-old Raonaid Murray,” gardai said. “An Garda Síochána remain fully committed to the investigation of Raonaid’s murder.
“A full time Incident Room remains in-situ at Dun Laoghaire Garda Station and the investigation continues with a focus on the ongoing review modules of the investigation together with new information still being provided by concerned members of the public.”
Raonaid Murray was last seen alive at approximately 11.20pm on Friday, September 3, 1999 when she made her way home from Dun Laoghaire town centre.
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.
Gardaí, together with Raonaid’s family, again renewed their appeal for any information which may assist in their continued investigation.
“Many who were then Raonaid’s age are now parents themselves with children, some of which would now be close to Raonaid’s age, and we would ask them to reflect now with the benefit of maturity and hindsight on any information which may be of assistance to the investigation,” they said in a statement.
“Despite a large number of suspects having been identified during the course of this investigation, there is in reality no prime suspect.
“The lack of a prime suspect arises from the fact that there has been no motive identified in this case. In over 3,400 witness statements there is not one word of enmity towards Raonaid.
“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 already 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 gardaí said they and Raonaid’s family were continuing to work together in an effort to solve this case and they implored anyone with information to contact the Garda Incident Room at Dun Laoghaire Garda Station on phone 01-6665000/6665012 or alternatively the Garda Confidential line at 1800666111 or any Garda station.
A reward for critical information received is available from Crimestoppers – Freephone 1800250025.
The Garda investigation team said they wished to thank the public for the invaluable assistance provided in the ongoing investigation to date.
The investigation into the murder of Raonaid Murray continues with fortnightly conferences held at the incident room in Dun Laoghaire Garda Station led by the senior management team and an appointed Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) with a full team of detectives.
The matter has been reviewed by the Serious Crime Review Team with separate modules identified for examination.
These have included a re-examination of relevant exhibits together with an examination and review of any previous and new forensic opportunities.
There has also been a re-examination of all individual enquiries issued at the outset to the investigation team.
A review of each of the suspects identified during the course of the investigation has also been carried out.
Nearly 200 suspects have been identified and examined during the course of the investigation, resulting in a total of 14 arrests, 11 for Raonaid’s murder and a further three for withholding information in relation to her murder.
A re-examination of all CCTV seized and obtained during the course of the original investigation is being analysed
And a re-examination of all nominations arising from the release of the three composite sketches/photofits in the original investigation has been carried out.