24/09/2012

Homicide Squad Take Over Investigation Of Missing Irish Woman

The investigation into the disappearance of an Irish woman in Australia has now been assigned to the homicide squad, police have confirmed.

Jill Meagher, from Drogheda, Co Louth, was last seen in the early hours of Saturday after a night out with colleagues in Melbourne.

The 29-year-old’s husband raised the alarm when she did not arrive at their home 1km from Bar Etiquette in Sydney Road, Brunswick, which she left at around 1.30am.

Det Insp John Potter, of Victoria Police, said the circumstances of the case are worrying. “We’re hopeful for the best, obviously, but we have some concerns that she may have met with foul play,” he said.

Police revealed that a handbag containing several items believed to belong to Mrs Meagher was found on Monday morning in a laneway off Hope Street. Her bank card has not been used and her mobile phone has been switched off.

A crime scene has been cordoned off and officers are continuing to search the local area and speak to residents.

Mrs Meagher had been out with colleagues from Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) radio.

(H)


Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

01 October 2012
Jill Meagher's Funeral Organised For Friday
The funeral of murdered Irishwoman Jill Meagher is to take place this Friday in Melbourne, her family has announced. The service will take place at 10:30 local time (01:30 Irish time). A public memorial is expected to be held in Drogheda, Mrs Meagher's hometown, on the same day.
19 June 2013
Bayley Jailed For Life For Murdering Jill Meagher
A man has been put behind bars for life for the murder of Irishwoman Jill Meagher In Melbourne, Australia, in September last year. Adrian Ernest Bayley, 41, pleaded guilty to raping and murdering Mrs Meagher and was sentenced to life imprisonment for the killing, and 15 years for rape. He will not be able to apply for parole for at least 35 years.
05 October 2012
Private Funeral Held For Jill Meagher
A private funeral service has been held in Melbourne, Australia for the murdered Irishwoman Jill Meagher. The service took place in the city’s Faulkner Memorial Park and was attended by her husband and a mixture of family and friends.
05 April 2013
Bayley Pleads Guilty To The Murder Of Jill Meagher
A man has pleaded guilty to the murder of Irish woman Jill Meagher in Melbourne last September. Adrian Earnest Bayley, 41, appeared at the Supreme Court of Victoria in Melbourne this morning and has been remanded in custody. Last month he also pleaded guilty to raping a journalist, who was originally from Drogheda.
25 September 2012
Search Continues In Melbourne For Missing Irish Woman
The Australian home of missing Irish woman Jill Meagher has been searched twice by officers investigating her disappearance in Melbourne. 29-year-old Jill Meagher has been missing since the early hours of Saturday morning after a night out with work colleagues at a bar close to her home in the suburb of Brunswick.