An Garda Síochána have renewed their appeal for information about Emer O'Loughlin, whose remains were discovered at Ballybornagh, Tubber, Co Clare on April 8, 2005, 20 years ago today.
Gardaí are asking the public if they have any piece of information which they feel might be relevant to this investigation to make contact with them.
In their renewed appeal today, Gardaí said that on April 8, 2005, human remains were discovered in a mobile home close to where 23-year-old Emer O’Loughlin lived with her boyfriend at Ballybornagh, Tubber.
The mobile home, which belonged to a man named John Griffin, had been completely destroyed by fire. Human remains discovered inside were later identified as being Emer’s.
(An Garda Síochána)
On May 19, 2010, investigating Gardaí exhumed her remains, which were then removed to University Hospital Galway where forensic anthropology tests were conducted.
The tests indicated that Emer had died a violent death, and as a result, the investigation was upgraded to that of murder.
Emer O'Loughlin. (An Garda Síochána)
Today, investigating Gardaí are hopeful that the public can assist with efforts to trace John Griffin, formerly of the Mervue area of Galway City. The last confirmed sighting of him was on the Aran Island of Inis Mór.
In 2010, Griffin landed on Interpol's International Fugitive Round Up and Arrest (INFRA-RED) list on suspicion of murder. Interpol said at the time: "In the days following the attack, Griffin allegedly traveled to a nearby island where he was seen on a cliff top. Items of Griffin's clothing were later found at the location, however, police believe that Griffin may have attempted to fake his own death and is now hiding from authorities."
INTERPOL's 2010 notice about John Griffin.
Gardaí now believe that John Griffin may have information that will assist them and are eager to interview him as part of the investigation.
John Griffin, now 57 years old, is described as being 180cm in height (5ft 11 inches). He is of a slight build and bald on the top of his head. He often sported a beard, which was shaved off on occasion. He has a distinctive Egyptian ‘Eye of Horus’ tattoo on his throat area. He speaks with a local accent.
John Griffin. (An Garda Síochána)
Gardaí said today that this year is the 20th year since Emer’s death and her family are still struggling to come to terms with her loss and are asking for your assistance in order to bring them closure.
If you believe you maybe in a position to bring closure and get justice for them, Gardaí would like to hear from you.
Do you have any information that may assist with the investigation? Gardaí may have spoken to you previously and due to the passage of time, you may now feel better placed to assist with the investigation.
Have you seen or spoken to John Griffin, also known as ‘Fozzie,' at the time or in the intervening years? Do you know the current whereabouts of John Griffin?
Gardaí assured that anyone with information will be treated with sensitivity and compassion by the investigation team.
Investigating Gardaí believe that John Griffin is still alive and at the time of his disappearance, he was assisted by a person or persons unknown in leaving the island of Inis Mór.
Gardaí have never received a Missing Person report in respect of John Griffin. Extensive searches were conducted along the coastline following the finding of his clothing, however he has never been sighted nor has his body ever been recovered.
'Eye of Horus.' (An Garda Síochána)
Anyone with information can contact Gort Garda Station on 091 636400, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
Coinciding with An Garda Siochana's renewed appeal, Emer O'Loughlin is the focus of a new "Crime World" episode entitled "Evil Eye - The murder of Emer O'Loughlin and the hunt for her killer."
Emer's case was also featured in the TG4 documentary "Marú inár Measc" in 2022, which you can watch online here.
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