Gardai in Mayo have renewed their appeal for information on the murder of Edward Fitzmaurice who was tied up, gagged, and left to die over the space of five days in 1998.
The horrific attack occurred at around 6:45 pm on Tuesday, May 5.
Investigating Gardaí are hopeful that with the passing of time and a potential change in circumstances, people who have information may now be in a position to come forward.
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Eddie’s body was found in a bedroom of his home, and it was quickly established that sometime between 8:20 pm on Friday, May 1, and Saturday morning May 2, Eddie was assaulted.
The attack occurred in his home following a burglary and the murder investigation has been ongoing for the past 24 years.
Eddie Fitzmaurice was 83 years old, lived alone, and ran his own drapery shop for many years.
He was a very popular member of the community who went about his business in a quiet and gentle manner, according to officers.
The Garda investigation into the murder of Eddie has been ongoing all these years, coordinated by members of An Garda Síochána from Claremorris Community Engagement and Mayo Crime Functional Areas.
Today, An Gardai Siochana released a statement saying: “Gardaí at Claremorris are renewing their appeal for information in relation to the murder of Edward (Eddie) Fitzmaurice, Bellaghy, Charlestown, County Mayo.
“At 6:45 pm on Tuesday 5th May 1998, Eddie’s body was found in a bedroom of his home. It was established that sometime between 8:20 pm on Friday 1st of May 1998 and Saturday morning 2nd May 1998, Eddie was assaulted in his home following a burglary. He was tied up, gagged, and left to die over a period of five days.
“The Garda investigation into the murder of Eddie Fitzmaurice is being coordinated by members of An Garda Síochána from Claremorris Community Engagement and Mayo Crime Functional Areas.
“The murder investigation has remained ongoing for the past 24 years. During this period of time, it has been reviewed on an ongoing basis.”
Gardaí are appealing to anyone with information however insignificant they feel it is to come forward and allow the investigation team to assess it.
The family of Eddie Fitzmaurice is elderly and Gardaí would urge people with information to come forward and bring the Fitzmaurice family closure.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Gardaí at Claremorris at 094 9372080 or email mayo.crime@garda.ie., the Garda Confidential Line 1 800 666 111, or Crimestoppers 1 800 250 025.
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