Gardai probe unsolved murder
By Teresa McGowan
Gardai have made a fresh appeal for information on the decade-old unsolved murder of the Bellaghy pensioner, Edward Fitzmaurice.
Edward was 83-years-old when his beaten and bruised body was found tied up and gagged in a bedroom at his home on May 6 1998.
Gardai know that sometime between Friday May 1 and Saturday morning May 2 1998 Eddie was attacked in his home and left to die over the next five days.
Superintendent Keaveney, who is leading the investigation, said they believe the information they need is out there and they hope this appeal will jog someone’s conscience.
He added: “Ten years have elapsed since this murder. Its aftermath still haunts the community and the extended family of the victim.”
Speaking about Mr. Fitzmaurice the Superintendent said: “Eddie Fitzmaurice ran his own drapery shop and he was well liked and respected in the community. He carried out his day to day business in a gentle, inoffensive manner.
“Our investigation has remained active over the last decade. A total of 59 people were arrested and questioned in connection with the investigation.
“Despite these efforts and painstaking work, nobody has been charged in connection with this appalling crime.”
The Incident room at Swinford Garda Station can be contacted at 0949252999 and people can also contact the Garda Confidential Freephone 1800 666 111 or Crimestoppers on 1800 250 025. All calls will be dealt with in confidence.