Justice Minister Expresses Disturbance Over Michael Gaine Murder Investigation

Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan has described himself as "very disturbed" to learn that body parts found on Michael Gaine's farm were those of the missing man. The discovery was made on May 16, with remains found in a slurry tank formally identified as belonging to Gaine on Sunday. Gardai believe Gaine was brutally murdered and then chopped up shortly after he disappeared on March 20.

Gaine, a 56-year-old cow and sheep farmer, was last seen buying phone credit in his local Centra store in Kenmare on the morning of his disappearance. A large-scale multi-agency search was launched shortly after, with searches continuing yesterday. The scene of the crime remains sealed off, with searches by gardai and yellow markers indicating areas where human parts were spread before a slurry spreader jammed.

Key Takeaways:

• Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan expressed his disturbance over the discovery of Michael Gaine's body parts on the latter's farm.
• Gardai believe Gaine was brutally murdered and then chopped up shortly after his disappearance on March 20.
• Remains were found in a slurry tank on May 16, with formal identification as Gaine confirmed on Sunday.
• A large-scale multi-agency search was launched after Gaine's disappearance, with searches continuing yesterday.
• The scene of the crime remains sealed off, with searches by gardai and yellow markers indicating areas where human parts were spread.
• A chainsaw found in the farmyard has been brought to Forensic Science Ireland's campus for DNA testing, with gardai believing it may have been used to chop Gaine's body.
• Michael Kelley, a former US army trooper and friend of Gaine's, has denied any involvement in the murder.
• Kelley was arrested on suspicion of murder but later released without charge.

Statistics:

• March 20: Date of Michael Gaine's disappearance
• May 16: Date when remains were found in a slurry tank on Michael Gaine's farm
• Sunday: Date when remains were formally identified as belonging to Michael Gaine

Sources:

• The Irish Sun
• An Garda Siochana
• Forensic Science Ireland