‘Substantial’ reward for help to track down man who faked own death
INVESTIGATORS are offering a "substantial" reward for help to track down an Irishman who faked his own death after the murder of a young art student.
The body of Emer O'Loughlin, 23, was found in a burnt-out caravan in a field at Ballybornagh, Tubber, Co Clare, on April 8 2005.
John "Fozzy" Griffin, 43, went missing 10 days later.
He was spotted going to Inis Mor in the Aran Islands, off the west coast of Ireland, where his clothes were later found on a cliff top.
But it was believed to be an attempt to fake his own suicide.
It is thought Griffin, of Cardinal Cushing Road, Mervue, Co Galway, may have travelled to the UK, Germany, the Netherlands or Spain.
He is also known as John McDermott.
Interpol has named him on their most wanted list.
Ms O'Loughlin, a student at the Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, from Ennistymon, Co Clare, had been living in Ballybornagh for a number of years before her death.
A murder inquiry was launched after her body was exhumed and forensically examined in May 2010 on the recommendation of a cold-case team.
Superintendent Pat Murray said gardai are very anxious to speak to Griffin.
"If you know of his present whereabouts, or if you have any other information which may be helpful, please contact Crimestoppers," he said.
Crimestoppers, a confidential hotline, offers rewards for information which can significantly help gardai in their investigation. Its number in Ireland is 1800 25 00 25.
- Brian Hutton
Press Association
