Gardai make new appeal on teenager's murder

Gardaí investigating the 1999 murder of a Co Dublin teenager, Raonaid Murray, have rejected suggestions that detectives know who killed her and are close to catching the person.

In issuing a new appeal for information on the murder yesterday, gardaí stressed they were determined to solve the "brutal" knife murder.

Supt Donal Neill of Dún Laoghaire Garda station said: "It has become apparent to the gardaí that there may be members of the public out there who are of the opinion that we know the identity of Raonaid's killer, but that is not the case. We don't have this case solved."

He said people with information that could lead to the killer were now five years "more mature" than at the time of the murder, on September 3rd, 1999.

"We believe there are people possibly out there who have not come forward. There were a lot of young people in the area at the time. They are now five years more mature. Perhaps their minds are ticking over and they are thinking of this crime. Maybe they would like to come forward at this stage and help us."

Ms Murray (17) died after receiving several stab wounds to her side, chest and shoulder in an attack near her home at Silchester Park, Glenageary, just before midnight. She had just left Scott's pub nearby.

Her body was found about 20 minutes later by her older sister, Sarah Murray, where she had collapsed 50 yards from her home.

More than 8,000 people have been interviewed and almost 3,000 statements taken. There were 12 arrests, but no charges were brought.

A reward of €190,000 is being offered to anyone with information leading to the murderer. The funds were raised by family and friends in the local community.

Last month a new team of detectives was appointed to the case. "We believe somebody out there has to know who committed this crime and may be protecting them, not coming forward," Supt Neill said.

"We are appealing for anybody who may not have disclosed all of their information to come forward to us and we will treat any information with confidence. We remain confident and very determined to solve this crime. The case very much remains open."