GARDAI ISSUE FRESH APPEAL IN COLD CASE SLIGO MURDER
‘ Somebody knows something’ say Gardai on the 19th anniversary of the death of Eddie Fitzmaurice
GARDAI have issued a fresh appeal for information in the cold case murder of Eddie Fitzmaurice who was killed 19 years ago this week.
“Somebody out there definitely knows something,” a senior Garda source in Charlestown said in relation to the unsolved murder of the 83 year- old bachelor at his home in Bellaghy on May 6th 1998.
“This murder case is very much ongoing. We would be hopeful that somebody out there can help. Anything small can point us in the right direction. That could be a huge help to us,” they told this newspaper.
“With the advent of modern technology, forensic science has come on enormously,” they said.
As the 19th anniversary of his death approaches, they’re making a fresh appeal for information from the public.
They believe a guilty conscience may be key to solving this murder, similar to the recent charging of 34- year- old Anthony Lambe with the murder of Irene White in Dundalk over 11 years ago.
Eddie Fitzmaurice lived and died alone in the saddest of circumstances - beaten up, tied up, gagged and left to die of his injuries.
It’s believed Mr Fitzmaurice was attacked by intruders sometime after 8pm on Friday 1 May and the early hours of Saturday morning.
He ran a drapers and footwear shop below his living quarters.
Acting District Officer at Claremorris Inspector Tom Calvey made an appeal to the public and believes someone has information that could lead to a breakthrough in the case.
“Eddie was last seen in his shop at 8.30pm on Friday 1st May 1998.
“Gardaí are anxious to speak to anyone who was in the vicinity and who for one reason or another believed they could not have come forward at the time, to come forward now, no matter how insignificant it may seem,” he said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the confidential Garda line on 1800 666 111 or Claremorris Garda Station on 094- 9372080.
The shop was since knocked and apartments rebuilt at that location.
Eddie Fitzmaurice still has nieces and nephews in the UK.