The family of a Portadown teenager “sadistically” murdered and left in a quarry are to unveil a monument marking the spot where she was found 50 years ago.
The stone tribute sits on land, outside Aughnacloy, Co Tyrone, where Marian Beattie’s body was discovered following what police at the time described as “a most vicious and cruel murder with sadistic overtones”.
But the teenager’s family will use the 50th anniversary of Marian’s death, not just to remember her but to continue in their quest for the truth about what happened on March 31, 1973.
Read more: Murder In The Badlands: Programme lifts lid on "sadistic" murder of Marian Beattie
The teenager, from Portadown, Co Armagh, was found with a pile of burnt matches next to her body and buttons from her blouse neatly stacked next to her. She had been at a barn dance nearby and was last seen with a man with long blond hair.
Since then no one has been convicted of the 18-year-old’s murder and the family have raised a number of concerns regarding how the killing was investigated. They also say they are unhappy that Marian’s death has been designated a ‘Legacy’ case, adding that it should be “reallocated to an active murder investigation team preferably one that has manpower drafted in from other policing jurisdictions”.
The family have also questioned the basis on which it would appear a man who was interviewed under caution by police in 2021 was discounted from police enquiries. The family says they understand that the man was discounted on the basis of tax records indicating he was working in England at the time of Marian’s murder.
The family, however, believe this does not discount the possibility that he could have travelled to Northern Ireland for a short period at the time of Marian’s death.
In September 2021, the PSNI said: “A male voluntarily attended Musgrave Police Station on Wednesday 15th September where he was interviewed under caution by detectives investigating the 1973 murder of Marian Beattie.
“The man was not detained and police continue to investigate a number of specific enquiries in relation to the case. As such, it would not be appropriate to make any further comment at this time.”
Another issue that the family have raised is that when Marian’s family went to the police station in Aughnacloy a plain-clothed policeman walked behind the counter, but was recognised by Marian’s friend as a man who had been at the concert earlier and had asked her to dance.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Marian’s family said that they are “renewing our call for witnesses to come forward who know anything about the events on the night Marian was murdered”.
They added: “We believe that Marian’s killer still walks amongst us today. 50 years is a long time for anyone to await justice for their loved one. As a family we are frustrated that Marian’s murder file remains within the PSNI legacy team and as such is not being actively investigated.
“Marian’s murder recently featured in the ‘Murder in the Badlands’ programme. It was notable, however, that it was the only episode of the four episodes within the documentary that did not include up to date PSNI commentary.
“As recent events have shown, violent attacks and abuse towards women are prevalent features even in today’s society. It is up to all of us to effect significant change and as a family we hold onto hope, even 50 years later, that Marian’s murderer will be brought to justice.
“We are now calling on the Chief Constable Simon Byrne to meet with our family and to discuss with us how Marian’s case can be progressed. The family met with the Police Ombudsman in February 2022 and we are also asking that the Ombudsman now meet with us again to update us as to when their report will be finalised.
“After 50 years as a family we deserve answers to why Marian’s murder investigation was flawed from day one and what steps will now be taken to rectify this. If Marian could speak to you all today we believe she would say that her soul is now in The Lord’s hands but justice for her murder is in all of our hands.”
The family’s solicitor Darragh Mackin, from Phoenix Law, said the Marian Beattie case “is the personification of justice delayed, justice denied”.
He added: “The categorisation of Marian’s case as a legacy case was a direct effort to brush this case under the illusory carpet. These efforts were compounded when it became apparent that despite the PSNI having categorised an individual as a main suspect, that information was never provided to the family members.
“This in itself calls into question the integrity of the investigative process and to which is now the subject of a complaint to the police ombudsman’s office.”
A spokesperson for the Police Ombudsman said: "The Police Ombudsman has given careful consideration to the outcome of the investigation into the circumstances surrounding Marian Beattie’s murder and the report is now in its final stages. The Ombudsman hopes to meet with Marian’s family in the coming weeks to communicate her findings."
A PSNI spokesman said: "The investigation into the murder of Marian Beattie remains open and we remain committed to bringing to justice those responsible for her murder. We recognise the hurt and pain that Marian’s murder continues to cause the family and as such we are resolved to investigating credible lines of enquiry when they are identified.
"Detectives in Legacy Investigation Branch carried out focussed enquiries on information provided by Marian’s family to assess their value to the investigation in 2021 and which were completed in early 2022.
"Marian’s murder remains within the caseload of LIB for a further full review in accordance with our Case Sequencing Model.
"Police continue to appeal to anyone with any information that can assist our investigation to contact detectives in Investigation Branch on 101. Alternatively, information can be given to the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111."
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