Now 20 years on from the murder of 23-year-old Emer O'Loughlin, An Garda has renewed its appeal for information and assistance in tracing for Galway man, John Griffin, who is believed to hold vital information relating to the case.
A native of Ennstymon, Co Clare, Emer O’Loughlin was a fledgling artist, attending a year-long PLC style college course studying art in Galway and living with her partner in a mobile home in Ballybornagh, near Tubber, Co Clare.
Described as a 'gentle soul' by her family, Emer's life was cruelly cut short on April 8, 2005, when her remains were found in a burning mobile home owned by Mervue native, John Griffin (also known as Fozzie ), neighbouring the one Emer shared with her boyfriend.
At the time, the circumstances surrounding her death remained unclear.
However, on May 19, 2010, Emer’s remains were exhumed and transferred to University Hospital Galway for forensic testing. Results of those tests confirmed she had suffered a violent death, prompting gardaí to formally upgrade the investigation to one of murder.
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Investigators are now focusing their efforts on tracing John Griffin. Last definitively seen on Inis Mór in the days following Emer's death, it is believed that Griffin faked his death and fled the island following a stand-off with gardaí.
Despite extensive searches and the discovery of some of Griffin’s clothing along the coastline near Inis Mór, he has not been seen again, and no body has ever been recovered. Gardaí note that no missing person report was ever filed on his behalf, and they believe he may have been aided in leaving the island by one or more individuals.
Gardaí believe he may have critical information that could assist the investigation and are eager to locate and speak with him.
Described as 5’11” (180cm ) in height, of slight build, and bald on the top of his head, Griffin, now aged 57, was reported to sport a beard which he would occasionally shave. Notably, he bears an Egyptian 'Eye of Horus' tattoo on his throat and speaks with a local Galway accent.
'Someone out there knows something'
As the O’Loughlin family continues to grieve the loss of their daughter, they are appealing to the public for help in finding answers and achieving justice. “Twenty years on, we still have no closure,” a family member shared. “Someone out there knows something.”
Gardaí are reaching out to anyone who may have spoken to John Griffin around the time of Emer’s death or in the years since. They also acknowledge that the passage of time may now give people the strength or safety to come forward with new or previously withheld information.
The investigation team assures anyone who contacts them will be treated with sensitivity and compassion.
Information
As Emer’s loved ones mark this sombre milestone, their plea and desire for closure has not lessened over the past two decades. If you have information that could help with the case and bring justice and peace to a grieving family, now is the time to speak.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Gort Garda Station on 091 636400, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
