Dublin: Irish police have intensified a major search operation in County Wicklow as part of renewed efforts to uncover crucial evidence in the decades-old disappearances of Deirdre Jacob and Jo Jo Dullard.
The excavation, now in its fourth consecutive day, is being carried out in a rural area at Castlederry Upper, amid suspicions that notorious convicted criminal Larry Murphy (61) may have murdered and buried his victims there.
Excavation Focused on Sand Dunes
The search, which began on Monday, is concentrated on a large sandbank in the area. Investigators are acting on intelligence suggesting that the victims’ remains may have been concealed inside a vehicle and buried deep beneath the sand.
Hundreds of tonnes of soil and sand have already been removed using heavy machinery as part of the meticulous operation.
Investigation Centred on Larry Murphy
Police believe Larry Murphy may have been involved in the 1998 disappearance of 18-year-old Deirdre Jacob, who vanished from outside her home in County Kildare. The current excavation site lies approximately 30 kilometres from where she was last seen.
The location is considered significant due to its proximity to areas previously associated with Murphy. In 2000, he was convicted for the abduction, sexual assault, and attempted murder of a young woman near Carlow town. He served 10 years in prison for that crime. The current search site is situated close to Spinans Cross, near where that earlier attack occurred.
Other Possibilities Under Review
Investigators are also examining whether the excavation could yield clues relating to the 1995 disappearance of 21-year-old Jo Jo Dullard, who went missing from Moone, County Kildare.
While Jo Jo Dullard’s family has been formally informed about the ongoing search, authorities have stressed that there is currently no confirmed evidence directly linking the two cases.
Murphy, who is believed to be residing in England at present, was known to have detailed knowledge of the local terrain — a factor that has influenced the decision to conduct the excavation in this particular area.
As of Wednesday evening, no significant evidence had been recovered. However, officials have confirmed that the search operation will continue.
Public Appeal
Police have renewed their appeal to the public for any information, no matter how minor it may seem. Anyone with relevant details is urged to contact the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111 or reach out to their nearest police station.
The renewed search marks another determined effort by Irish authorities to bring long-awaited answers to families who have endured decades of uncertainty.
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