Quarry is drained in search for Charlotte

Murder victim family’s hope

A QUARRY was drained yesterday in the search for missing murder victim Charlotte Murray.

An area close to Benburb, Co Tyrone, has been identified for teams to focus on this week.

Ms Murray’s former fiance Johnny Miller was convicted of her murder by a jury earlier this month.

She is believed to have been killed between October 31 and November 1, 2012 and the 34-year-old’s remains have never been found. A quarry was previously searched by divers for the victim’s remains, but will now be drained for “full assurance” that the bottom has been examined.

Det Chief Insp Eamonn Corrigan said it is located in an “area of significant interest” to the investigation.

He added: “This week we are conducting searches in the Benburb area in the hope of finding Charlotte’s remains.

“A digger will prepare the ground to enable draining of a flooded quarry. This step is being taken so the floor of the quarry can be effectively searched.” Det Chief Insp Corrigan said the searches come following a “detailed review” of the investigation and trial.

He added: “One man has already been convicted of Charlotte’s murder and he is due to be sentenced next month but Charlotte’s body is still missing.

“Her family and friends have suffered greatly from the time when she was last in contact with them, seven years ago.

“I want to recover her body and allow her loved ones to finally put her to rest.

They deserve to be able to say their goodbyes.

“If anyone knows where Charlotte’s remains are or has any information that may be of use, please call detectives on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800

555 1111.”