An Garda Síochána said in an update today, Tuesday, April 29, that the missing person investigation into Michael Gaine in Co Kerry has now been reclassified as a homicide investigation.
A formal criminal investigation has now commenced, Gardaí said today.
Michael Gaine was last seen in Kenmare, Co Kerry, on Thursday, March 20. The 54-year-old was reported missing the following day.
Gardaí said on Tuesday that since March 21, the Garda Investigation Team as led by a Senior Investigating Officer at Killarney Garda Station have:
- Undertaken over 320 formal jobs/enquiries
- Taken nearly 130 witness statements
- Recovered approximately 2,200 hours of CCTV/Dash Cam footage
- Conducted extensive searches over the past five weeks.
An Garda Síochána confirmed today that based on the entirety of the information available to the investigation team at Killarney Garda station, this missing person investigation has now been reclassified as a homicide investigation, and a formal criminal investigation has now commenced.
An Garda Síochána said on Tuesday that they continue to keep Michael's family fully informed and they have been updated as to the change in status of this investigation.
A Family Liaison Officer is supporting Michael's family.
Despite the extensive enquiries carried out so far, An Garda Síochána have not recovered Michael's remains.
Gardaí are seeking information from anyone who can assist them in bringing Michael back to his family.
An Garda Síochána appealed 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," Gardaí 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, Gardaí said.
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.
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