‘Sinister elements at play ’ over woman’s body found in city park
Linda Christian reported missing three weeks ago
‘SINISTER elements’ were at play in the death of a woman whose decomposed body was discovered in undergrowth in a park in Blanchardstown yesterday, gardaí believe. While gardaí have not officially upgraded the case to
one of murder, detectives have ‘received intelligence’ that the woman – named locally as Linda Christian – was killed and believe foul play was involved.
Ms Christian, 29, had been missing for three weeks and the remains were found shortly after 2pm yesterday.
The victim, who was single, was reported missing by her family just over three weeks ago. It is understood that she suffered from some mental health problems. Her remains were discovered in an area of undergrowth between Clonsilla Road and Snugborough Road yesterday shortly after 2pm.
Acting on specific information from a member of the public that Ms Christian had been a victim of foul play, the Garda Divisional Search Team scoured Coolmine Woods in Blanchardstown.
The body was later discovered in the undergrowth.
It was significantly decomposed and a postmortem on the remains, by State pathologist Marie Cassidy, was under way last night.
Gardaí suspect she may have died shortly after she disappeared on June 23.
The young woman’s family have been notified that gardaí believe the remains to be those of their loved one. The divisional search team is only enlisted during an investigation into serious criminality. It is not drafted in during routine searches for missing persons, sources say.
The results of the postmortem will determine the direction of the investigation.
‘At the moment, there is a strong belief that there is a sinister element at play here and that this woman did not take her own life,’ said a source.
Gardaí first issued an appeal for the missing woman on July 3.
Anyone who may have any information that could help gardaí with their investigation into the death are asked to contact Blanchardstown Garda station on (01) 6667000, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.
Ms Christian was described as being 5ft 3in, of slim build with long brown hair and green eyes. When last seen, she was wearing a green bomber jacket, blue jeans and carrying a pink gym bag.
Acting on specific information Body was decomposed