New suspects identified in Michaela McAreavey investigation

The family of Michaela McAreavey say they have been informed of new developments in the investigation into her death. The daughter of Co Tyrone football manager Mickey Harte was found dead in her hotel room in January 2011 while on honeymoon with husband John. Two hotel workers were acquitted of her murder after a seven-week trial on the island in 2012.

A McAreavey family statement said: “The McAreavey and Harte families have been informed about new developments in the investigation into Michaela’s murder. They will await further information on those developments before making any additional comment.”

The statement follows news reports in Mauritius that there are four new suspects.

In June, the family said criminal investigations into her death seemed to have ground to a halt. In a statement in June, the McAreavey and Harte families said they were more determined than ever to see justice served.

The body of Ms McAreavey (27) body was found in the bath of the couple’s room at Legends Hotel two days into her honeymoon. She had gone back to the room to get biscuits. Police said she was murdered after disturbing thieves.

Five hotel workers were arrested and two were charged but later acquitted.

The Mauritian authorities were criticised over the investigation and a new team of detectives was appointed after the trial in 2012.

It was reported last year that they had identified a new suspect but no charges were brought.