Garda start new search in Offaly in Fiona Pender case

Gardaí investigating the disappearance and murder of Fiona Pender in August 1996 are today, Monday May 26, commencing a search operation on open ground at a location in Co Offaly.

Inn a statement just released, the gardaí have said this area of land will be searched and subject to excavation, technical and forensic examinations over the coming days.

Gardaí in Laois/ Offaly Garda Division have carried out a sustained investigation over the last 28-years during which significant enquiries have been carried out to establish Fiona’s whereabouts and to investigate the circumstances in which Fiona disappeared.

The investigation continues to be led by a senior investigating officer.

Over the course of this investigation, the investigation team have discovered and collated thousands of documents/reports, taken in excess of 300 statements of evidence and retained a number of exhibits.

Extensive searches have been carried out and 5 persons were arrested and detained in connection with this investigation.

Based on the entirety of the information available to the investigation team An Garda Síochána can confirm that this missing person investigation has been re-classified as a murder investigation.

Fiona was last seen at approximately 6am on the morning of Friday, August 231996 when she was at her flat on Church Street, Tullamore.

Fiona was described as being 5'5" in height, with long blonde hair. She was 25 years of age at the time she went missing. Fiona was wearing bright coloured clothing and white leggings. She was 7 months pregnant at the time of her disappearance.

Fiona’s remains have never been located.

No person has been brought to justice for the disappearance and murder of Fiona at this time.

Investigating Gardaí continue to appeal to any person with any information in relation to the disappearance of Fiona in the early morning of Friday 23rd August 1996, who has not spoken to Gardaí, to please come forward and speak to our investigation team.

Gardaí continue to appeal to any person who may have previously come forward who felt they could not provide Gardaí with all the information they had in relation to this matter, to contact the investigation team again.

An Garda Síochána appeals to anyone with any information, no matter how small or insignificant you might believe it to be, to contact Tullamore Garda Station on 057 932 7600, or any Garda Station. Anyone who wishes to provide information confidentially should contact the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.