Michaela probe hit by death of witness
THE head of the probe into Michaela McAreavey’s murder has told how the death of the star witness in the case will have a “negative” impact on the investigation.
But the Central Criminal Investigation Department’s Heman Jangi says work is continuing on the case into the 2011 killing, with a focus on other “strong” elements.
Earlier this month, Raj Theekoy was found dead on wasteland in Beau-Plateau, Goodlands, north Mauritius on October 3.
He died by hanging but the circumstances surrounding the death remain unclear and police have not ruled out foul play.
The McAreavey family lawyer Dick Ng Sui Wa, based in Mauritius, said that the death would not affect the case.
However, the lead investigator into the review of the case — launched earlier this year — believes it will.
Burglary
Mr Jangi said: “His death will certainly have a negative impact on the investigation. He was a valid element.”
He added: “There are other strong elements in the file and the work on this side continues.”
Those reviewing the case believe the testimony Theekoy previously gave in the 2012 trial will be difficult to use if any new case is brought forward.
Mr Jangi said: “It will be up to the magistrate to see if it will be admissible or not.”
Michaela was 27 when she was strangled in her hotel room at the Legends resort on the Indian Ocean island on January 10, 2011.
The only daughter of All-Ireland-winning GAA football manager Mickey Harte had been married 10 days earlier.
The Tyrone teacher was on her honeymoon with her new husband John when she was attacked as she returned to her room alone and disturbed a burglary.
A friend of the woman said: “She is a very beautiful and glamorous lady and believes that Ian is innocent.
Beautiful
“She is totally supportive of him and wants to help clear his name.
“They have been dating for the past few months and are very happy together.”
The couple met after Bailey split up with his long-term girlfriend, the painter Jules Thomas. They had been together for more than 28 years and Bailey lived in her home located outside Schull, west Cork.
But speaking to The Star over claims he is in a new relationship, Mr Bailey