25/09/2014

Body Found In 2006 Identified As German Man Arno Schmitz

A body found in woodland by Lough Inagh in Connemara in 2006 has been identified as a German man called Arno Schmitz.

A review of the case was launched in December last year and subsequently lead garda to securing a positive identification through the use of forensic dentistry.

Detectives had used items found with Mr Schmitz's body to establish a connection with the area of Neumünster in Germany.

Earlier this year gardaí asked German authorities to release information of the body, including a picture of a facial reconstruction.

This lead to a man called Bernd Schmitz contacting German police about his brother, Arno.

It is understood that Arno Schmitz had moved to Ireland in 2005, losing touch with his brother late that year. However, he had never been reported missing.

A post-mortem of Arno Schmitz carried out in December 2006 found no evidence of trauma or injury.

Mr Arno Schmitz was buried on Omey Island in Co Galway. It is understood that his brother now plans to travel from German to visit the grave.

(MH/CD)

Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

25 April 2014
Body Found In Co Donegal
Gardai have launched an investigation after a body was discovered in Bundoran, Co Donegal, this morning (25 April). The body, believed to be a man aged in his 60's or 70's, was found near the shore in the West End of the town. It is believed the body remains at the scene.
09 August 2007
Investigation Launched After Woman's Body Found
Gardai have launched an investigation following the discovery of a woman's body in a house in Dublin. The body of the 43-year-old was found in a house in Rathgar Road in Rathmines just before midnight on Wednesday. A forensic examination is being carried out and the body remains at the scene.
11 August 2014
Investigation Launched After Body Found In Carlow
The body of a woman has been found in a house in Carlow. Gardaí say that the body of a 37-year-old woman was discovered at a house in the Craigcullen area of Carlow at about 21:45 on Sunday. The body remains at the scene to allow for a forensic examination. The identity of the woman has not yet been released.
05 December 2012
Knives Found During Investigation Into Attack On German Students
Garda investigating the stabbing of two German students have recovered three knives. Forensic tests are underway to establish if any of them were used in the killing of Thomas Heinrich, 22 and the stabbing of his friend, Robert Rinker 22.
20 June 2011
11% Rise In German Visitors To Ireland This Year
The Irish Republic's Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport is building on the growing number of German visitors to Ireland by promoting Ireland as a tourism destination for German holidaymakers.