Gardaí believe a vulnerable young woman, missing for more than a decade, was killed by someone known to her after a prolonged period of mistreatment.
The Garda investigation into the disappearance of Elizabeth Clarke, a mother of two from Co Meath, has been upgraded to a murder inquiry.
Gardaí are following a definite line of inquiry regarding who killed Ms Clarke and the context of her killing. They also have strong suspicions about where her remains may be buried and other evidence might be located.
A search commenced on Friday at a property in Navan as part of the investigation into the disappearance of Ms Clarke, who was 24 when she was last seen.
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The search began after investigating gardaí secured permission from the courts to proceed with the operation. It was expected to be an intrusive search, over several days, and to involve excavation work.
Ms Clarke was officially reported missing in January 2015, though there have been no confirmed sightings of her since November 2013. Gardaí suspect she was murdered around the time of the last confirmed sighting.
The force has carried out an extensive investigation since Ms Clarke was reported missing, including land, canal and river searches in an attempt to find her remains. However, nothing of evidential value has been found.
It is believed that she was murdered and her body disposed of in an attempt to conceal the crime.
Garda headquarters on Friday confirmed the investigation had been upgraded to murder inquiry. The decision was based on an assessment that the additional resources and powers, including to arrest suspects and carry out searches, could result in a breakthrough in the case.
Ms Clarke had previously lived in Portrane, Co Dublin, and Bettystown, Co Meath, as well as at another address in Co Meath.
“There have been no sightings of Elizabeth in over 10 years. As a result of these extensive inquiries, An Garda Síochána have reclassified the investigation from a missing person investigation to a murder investigation,” the force said in a statement.
The search operation in Navan was being led by gardaí from the Meath Serious Crime Hub, based at Navan Garda station. It was being supported by the Meath Divisional Search Team and Garda National Technical Bureau. A forensic archaeologist has been made available to the search team if required.
The Garda said it is keeping Ms Clarke’s family “fully updated in relation to this investigation and they have been fully appraised” of the latest developments.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Navan Garda station on (046) 9036100.
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