THE investigation into the murder of schoolboy Kyran Durnin is “still some way off” from conclusion, Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has revealed.
Kyran Durnin, who would be eight years old if he was still alive, was last seen in public in June 2022.
A missing person’s probe was initially launched in August last year before being upgraded to a murder investigation.
Gardai believe the youngster from Dundalk, Co Louth may have been killed up to two years ago with his body hidden.
Gardai carried out searches at three residences in the Dundalk area last year including at the former home of the boy’s family.
A number of people have been arrested as part of the murder probe.
In December, a woman who was known to Kyran was questioned as part of the investigation before being released without charge.
Anthony Maguire, who was a suspect in the case and had been questioned by gardai, took his own life at his home in Drogheda last year.
Maguire’s phone and notes found at the house have been examined by gardai.
Cops suspected Maguire was part of a plan to try and con social workers by bringing a “decoy” child in Kyran’s place to a meeting.
The investigation into Kyran’s disappearance is ongoing but there have been no updates in recent weeks.
Garda Commissioner Drew Harris told the Irish Sun: “The investigation carries on and I am being kept abreast of developments. The investigation carries on.
‘STILL SOME WAY OFF’
“Obviously then we will get to a point of conclusion and it will go then to the DPP but that is still some way off.”
Gardai fear Kyran has been dead for two years and suspect he may have died in 2022 when he was just six.
Last year, An Garda Siochana published the new pictures of Kyran as they called on anyone who may have information relating to his disappearance to get in touch with them.
Detectives now believe that the boy, from Drogheda, Co Louth, was killed in June 2022, a month later than they previously thought. He has not been seen in public since then.
It is understood that two women who were told the child was missing before the Gardai knew about it have contacted officers and made detailed statements.
They are among a long list of crucial witnesses who are now coming forward to help cops with their inquiries.
Detectives are also looking at footage obtained from local shops and street cameras near the homes of the suspects and the routes they would take to and from Drogheda town centre.
Gardai are trying to narrow down a list of sites where they think Kyran could be buried.
The insider said last month: “There will be more arrests and more digs in the coming weeks. We are not going to rest until we find Kyran’s body.
“The people of Drogheda are very angry about this case and want to see those responsible arrested and punished.
“We are all determined that this little lad will get a proper Christian burial.”
