GARDAI have issued a renewed appeal for information about the murder of a teenager who was beaten to death with a hatchet 15 years ago.
The body of innocent 19-year-old Jeffrey Hannan was found near his home at O’Malley Park, Southill, Co Limerick in 2007.
The horror discovery was made by a local resident who was walking in the area at around 10:40am on November 22.
The teenager had suffered multiple injuries to his head and upper body.
And, marking the 17th anniversary of the murder today, Gardai issued a fresh appeal for information and urged members of the public who may have any information to come forward.
But four key questions remain in the probe as cops continue to search for those responsible.
WHAT HAPPENED TO JEFFREY?
Jeffrey Hannan, who had no criminal links, was found dead on a green in the south Limerick city housing estate on November 22.
He had been attending a bonfire near his home the night before he was killed.
Gardai believe that the teenager was beaten to death with a hatchet and the unprovoked killing was witnessed by several other people.
And the young dad-of-two suffered kicks to his body before it was dragged across the green and dumped by a wall, just a few yards from his family home.
Jeffrey’s dad Alan Hannan had gone to look for his son that morning as he hadn’t returned home from socialising in the estate the previous night.
He previously explained: “He wasn’t in bed, so I got up that morning and went out looking for him, and I actually passed his body in the green area where he was found.
“I don’t think it happened to him where he was found, because there was a trail of blood going over the green area from the path.
“You could see the drag mark on the ground, so he wasn’t killed at the spot where he was found.”
The heartbroken dad identified his son’s body after gardai had cordoned off the area as a crime scene.
He continued: “I just went numb, I went into shock, I couldn’t believe what I was looking at.”
DO GARDAI HAVE A SUSPECT?
A review of the murder investigation by Gardai has so far failed to bring the case forward.
Over 20 people, men and women, have been arrested by Gardai over the course of the investigation
A file was submitted to the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
However, no one has ever been prosecuted for the murder.
Gardai believe that the killing was witnessed by several other people, with dad Alan previously saying he had been told who the murderer was.
He said: “Southill is a small place and everyone knows everyone’s business there, I was told who murdered Jeffrey on the morning he died, the Gardai also know who murdered Jeffrey, they have told me that, and witnesses have given statements, but no one has been brought to court, why is that? It’s not right.”
WHERE IS THE MURDER WEAPON?
A murder weapon in the case has never been found despite numerous calls from Jeffery’s family for Garda searches.
Over recent days, an anonymous account on social media alluded to the area where the alleged murder weapon could be still hidden.
Jeffrey’s father Alan has called on the Gardai to look into these claims and take action, hoping the outcome will be a search of the area in question.
He has also noted that Gardai are aware of the posts made in the social media group.
Alan also said that cops are investigating whether or not the post has any legitimacy to it and further action will be taken once this is carried out.
But Alan doesn’t believe Gardai will search the area made in the claims.
HAS THE CASE MADE ANY PROGRESS?
Despite claims Gardai are aware of the identity of the person who killed Jeffrey, little has been done to make an arrest.
In a letter sent to Alan by the Director of Public Prosecutions in 2017, it explained that further evidence was required in order for criminal prosecution.
Following this, an internal Garda Headquarters disciplinary process was initiated against a Garda who was accused of withholding information in the case.
These claims were also investigated by the GSOC, with the investigation thrown out in May 2022.
A review of the initial murder investigation was conducted but has not progressed the case further.
Alan has called for a state inquiry into the murder of his son, with Garda Commissioner Drew Harris and several Justice Ministers refusing to meet with him.
Marking the anniversary of the killing, Jeffrey’s dad Alan told how he is “thinking of my son” today and his “heart is still broken” by the unimaginable loss.
He wrote on social media: “Jeffrey I will never give up the fight for justice for you. Happy heavenly anniversary Jeff, till we meet again love and miss you always. Rip, love dad.”
In a statement this morning, a Garda spokesperson said: “An Garda Siochana and Jeffrey’s family are appealing to anyone who may have information relating to his murder to contact investigating Gardai.
“The investigation is being led by a Senior Investigating Officer from the Roxboro Road Garda Station.
“Anyone with information should contact the Roxboro Road Garda Station on 061 214340, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.”
