Murder inquiry is closing in on her brutal killers
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THE garda investigation into the murder of teenager Marioara Rostas has entered its final phase.
The discovery of the 18- year-old girl’s body in the Wicklow mountains last month has given a fresh impetus to the four-yearold inquiry.
A senior garda investigator said: “Even though it is a slow burner, we are determined to bring her killers to justice.” He was speaking as dozens of people gathered last night for a candlelit vigil in her memory.
The garda added: “We still have a lot of work to do before we can send off a file to the Director of Public Prosecutions to decide on criminal charges. A lot of information has already been gathered and we now have to put the final pieces of the jigsaw in place.”
Arrests
Seven suspects – five men and two women – have already been arrested and questioned about her disappearance and subsequent murder. Further leads are being pursued since the Romanian teen’s body was located near the Manor Kilbride to Sally Gap road.
The officer leading the hunt for her killers, Chief Supt Michael O’Sullivan, has described her death as incomprehensible in a civilised society.
Gardai were among about 40 people at last night’s vigil as Marioara was laid to rest in Romania. Two minutes of silence were held near Pearse Street garda station.
Martin Collins from Pavee Point told the gathering: “The last four years have been a living nightmare for the Rostases.”
Damien Peelo from the Irish Travellers’ Movement said they were there to send out a “strong message that no one deserves to die so young and in such a horrific violent way”.
- Tom Brady and Louise Hogan
