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03rd Sep 2021

“You may unknowingly be shielding a killer” – Gardaí renew information appeal ahead of anniversary of teen girl’s murder

Stephen Porzio

The solving of this murder is of “the utmost priority”, Gardaí have said.

Gardaí have issued a renewed appeal for information ahead of the 22nd anniversary of 17-year-old Raonaid Murray’s murder.

In a statement, Gardaí have said they continue to work with Ms Murray’s family in an effort to solve this case.

Ms Murray worked at a clothes shop, then known as Sally West, in Dun Laoghaire Shopping Centre.

She left the shop at around 9pm on Friday, 3 September, 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 around 11.20pm to go home and change before heading to the nightclub.

Ms Murray was last seen alive at around 11.20pm on Friday when she made her way home from Dun Laoghaire town centre.

Her body was then found at Silchester Crescent, Glenageary at 12.33am on Saturday, 4 September, 1999, less than 500 yards from her home.

“Extensive lines of enquiries have been and continue to be pursued by the investigation team. Despite a large number of suspects having been identified during the course of this investigation, there is in reality no prime suspect,” a Garda spokesperson said.

“The lack of a prime suspect largely arises from the fact that there has been no motive identified in this case. In over 4,500 witness statements there is not one word of enmity towards Raonaid.”

Gardaí said that many of those who were then Ms Murray’s age are now parents themselves, some of whom may have children who are close to Raonaid’s age.

“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 added.

“If any person has any information which could assist Gardaí in identifying a motive for the murder of Raonaid, and if any person has any doubts about the truth of an alibi already provided, we would appeal for your immediate assistance. You may unknowingly be 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.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact the incident room at Dun Laoghaire Garda Station on 01 666 5000 or 01 666 5012, or the Garda Confidential line 1800 666 111.

A photograph of Raonaid Murray can be seen below.

Image via An Garda Síochána

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