Breakthrough in probe into killing of undertaker
A number of people have been interviewed recently in connection with the callous killing of undertaker Shaun Duffy in Co Donegal.
Mr Duffy, 36 was butchered to death at his home in Meenacross outside Dungloe in 2005.
The larger-than-life bachelor, who stood at 6’4” had been attacked with a knife and a crossbow and left to die in a pool of blood at his own home.
An inquest into Mr Duffy’s death painted a harrowing picture of how investigators found his home spattered with his blood. Now, new lines of inquiry are being explored by gardaí.
They have spent the past six months gathering fresh information and interviewing witnesses, following an appeal on the 11th anniversary of the murder.
Family members found Mr Duffy’s body in his home at approximately 2.25pm on January 29, 2005.
Gardaí have carried out a massive investigation into who killed the former undertaker and part-time bouncer. More than 1,430 lines of inquiry have been pursued and 670 witnesses interviewed.
An 2010 inquest concluded that Mr Duffy’s death was an unlawful killing due to multiple stab wounds to the body, and blunt force trauma to the head.
The killing caused panic in Dungloe at the time. Local people, including broadcaster Gay Byrne, who had a house in the area and knew Mr Duffy personally, spoke of the anguish of the local community.
Local priest Fr John Joe Duffy, a cousin of the victim, addressed parishioners at Mass and appealed for anyone who knew about the killing to come forward.
Gardaí thanked those who have come forward and reiterated their appeal that people with information should contact them, regardless of the time that has lapsed. They say any information received will be given appropriate attention.
People can contact Milford gardaí at 074 91 53060; the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111; or any Garda station.
