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TÁNAISTE FRANCES FITZGERALD has decided to establish an inquiry into the handling of the Shane Tuohey death investigation in 2002.
The 23-year-old was found in the River Brosna in county Offaly a week after he went missing.
The garda investigation concluded his death was suicide, but the man’s family believes he was assaulted before he died. They have alleged gardaí failed to properly investigate the circumstances surrounding his death.
Though an inquest recorded the manner of his death was drowning, two American forensic experts hired by the family to look at the case said homicide could not be ruled out.
Lost CCTV tapes
In 2006, an investigation into the handling of the case found aspects of it might have been dealt with more professionally, but it still supported the original finding of probable suicide.
RTÉ’s Philip Boucher-Hayes reported last year that CCTV tapes from around the town, which had been lost by gardaí, turned up in a locker some 13 years after the man’s death. The Tuohey family believes those tapes could contain critical information about Shane’s last movements and about anyone who may have been involved in an altercation with him that night in February 2002.
The case was referred to the government’s Independent Review Mechanism and the Department of Justice confirmed today that a full inquiry will be launched.
It said the Tánaiste had written to the Tuohey family confirming her decision to establish the inquiry, which will look at the circumstances surrounding Shane’s death and at the garda investigation. The department is currently consulting with the Attorney General about the terms of reference and a spokesperson told TheJournal.ie that no decision has yet been made about who will conduct the inquiry.
“The Tánaiste will be in further contact with the family about the matter.”
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Hopefully they’ll get some answers and closure. It must be terrible having those doubts.
Raises more questions than answers. Thats Dylan Moran !
I remember this case very strange.it was in Clara. Hometown of the Brian and Barry cowen. Strange that the CCTV tapes went missing and were found 13 years later in a locker. although gardai had collected them from around the town .
What’s Brian and Barry cowen got to do with it?
She brings them into everything!
Absolutely nothing. But for people not familiar with the county. Just though I would mention someone everyone knows that’s from the town like people do when castlebar is mentioned , hometown of enda Kenny or Michael martin and cork. Did I touch a nerve or something.
Come on ger. Show where I bring the cowens in to everything. Ridiculous comment. But not surprising from you.
At least, there wasn’t ever anybody famous from Blueball…
Ah ger. Still trying. God love you. Keep going .your great for a laugh . Is that where your from and not the mole district. Cause I ain’t. But you can think that if you want. On the bright side you would never find me , since yhst seems to be your thing trying to locate people.
you’re*…that*…mole? Ok Fred…
But they do a great show every year there ger. You should know having live stock and all. Bet your down there every year with your ould wellies on.
livestock*…you’re*…old*
No you didn’t touch a nerve, but I’ll keep a lookout in other articles for your who’s who in Ireland’s villages!
I don’t believe anything Philip Boucher Hayes reports ever since his ‘evidence’ about a now deported asylum seeker
Haha ger. Do some reading. Next time you set up fake Facebook page , you better do your research. You haven’t a clue. Hilarious.
Bet you went to school in Reigate as well.
Tullamore, actually.
Clara. Perhaps the Garda investigation into the brutal murder of Fr Niall Molloy at Clara needs to be reviewed also? There appears to have major flaws in the investigation by Gardai also, and no conviction. As is the case for the Tuohey Family – justice delayed is justice denied for all those affected.
Dear oh dear… not another Gardai Keystone Cops investigation bungled..
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