Gardaí have issued a fresh appeal for information in relation to the disappearance of Imelda Keenan, who was last seen in Waterford City 31 years ago today (Friday, January 3rd, 1994).
Ms Keenan, who was 22-years-old when she vanished, was originally from Mountmellick, Co Laois, but had moved to Waterford and was living with her boyfriend while undertaking a computer course.
Gardaí believe she left her apartment at 1.30pm on January 3rd, 1994, and walked down William Street on to Lombard Street. They said the last confirmed sighting of her was at the corner of the Tower Hotel and Lombard Street, where she was seen crossing the road.
She was reported missing by her brother, Edward, the following day.
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Gardaí have said that despite “extensive investigations”, there have been no further confirmed sightings of Ms Keenan. If she is still alive, she would now be 53-years-old.
Ms Keenan’s family last year said they believe the last confirmed sighting of her to be a case of mistaken identity, or a genuine sighting attributed to the wrong day. They said they believe she was murdered some time earlier, in the build-up to Christmas, and have called on the Garda to upgrade its investigation to a murder inquiry.
They said Christmas presents in Ms Keenan’s flat were unopened in January, and a wreath she had bought to put on her father’s grave was still inside the apartment.
Ms Keenan had not been in touch with her family for two weeks before she was reported missing.
The family said they were “frustrated” gardaí did not carry out basic investigations, such as searching her home, because they did not believe her disappearance was suspicious.
“Imelda, 22-years-old and originally from Mountmellick in Co Laois, was a resident of Waterford City while pursuing her studies when she disappeared without a trace,” said Garda Supt Gavin Hegarty in advance of the appeal on Friday. “Imelda was known for her quiet demeanour, her love of music and her strong family ties. Despite extensive investigations spanning 31 years, the silence surrounding her fate remains unbroken. We continue to urge anyone with information or the ability to assist our investigation to come forward.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact gardaí at Waterford Garda Station on (051) 305 300, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
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