TWO ARRESTED ARE ‘STILL OF INTEREST’
TWO people arrested twice following the 2012 murder of James Cahillane are ‘still of interest’, Superintendent Flor Murphy said this week in a renewed appeal for information on the fifth anniversary of the still unsolved crime.
The body of Mr Cahillane (58) was found at his burnt-out home at Ardraw, Beaufort on April 19, 2012.
A murder enquiry ensued after a post-mortem examination showed that Mr Cahillane had been brutally assaulted.
Gardaí now believe that a ball-pein hammerhead found in the charred remains of the scene may have been the weapon used to kill Mr Cahillane. His house was set alight in a deliberate effort to conceal the crime, they said.
No one has been charged for the murder. Two people were arrested in connection with the investigation in the ensuing months. One of those was arrested for the offence of murder, but was released without charge. A file on the matter was sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
“Prosecution wasn’t initiated,” Supt Murphy explained. “We’re missing vital information, vital evidence that can initiate a prosecution here, and that’s why I’m here making a renewed appeal for people to come forward.
“The investigation team and I are convinced there are people in the Killorglin and mid Kerry area who may have information.
“Five years have passed since the crime, and there are people who may be able to assist us now; their friendships, associations, or loyalties may have changed.”
Superintendent Murphy added that Gardaí believe the person or persons responsible more than likely knew James Cahillane. The head injuries Mr Cahillane suffered were consistent with a hammer head found at the scene, medical evidence suggests.
Gardaí still suspect Mr Cahillane’s murder occured after he rumbled a burglar in his home. “We can’t rule out... a link between that crime and burglaries in the Killorglin area in early 2012.”