Gardaí Launch Cold Case Review of Liam Farrell’s Mysterious Death

UPDATE: Gardaí have confirmed a significant cold case review into the mysterious death of Liam Farrell, an 87-year-old Leitrim farmer found dead under alarming circumstances at his home in Rooskey. This urgent development comes as Brendan Farrell, Liam’s son, speaks out about the shocking injuries his father sustained before his death.

On January 11, 2020, Liam walked home after socializing locally. Just 15 hours later, he was discovered outside his back door, badly bruised and partially undressed. Despite a post-mortem examination attributing his death to a heart attack, Brendan and the family believe foul play may be involved, citing unexplained injuries and bloodied items found in the house.

Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly has now requested the Serious Crime Review Team to take a closer look at the investigation, signaling a shift in how authorities are addressing this cold case. Speaking to RTE radio, Brendan expressed a mix of hope and frustration, noting, “It feels like we’ve been listened to. They’re taking daddy’s death very seriously now.”

Brendan described the horrific scene he encountered the day his father was found, stating, “It was the most horrific day of my life. I didn’t recognize him due to the level of injuries he had sustained.” He recalled the panic of calling for an ambulance and performing CPR while being overwhelmed by the condition of his father’s body.

“I knew when I was working on him, there was somebody there before,” Brendan recalled. “You didn’t have to be an expert to know that poor Daddy was attacked.”

The family’s concerns were amplified during an inquest when Professor Paul Hartel, the hospital pathologist, revealed he was unaware that Liam’s body had been removed from a potential crime scene. He stated that had he known, he would have refused to perform the autopsy, insisting a forensic pathologist be assigned instead.

As the investigation takes a new turn, Brendan reflects on his father’s life, describing him as “an amazing father, grandfather, and husband.” He shared the emotional weight of their last dinner together just days before Liam’s tragic death, emphasizing the profound loss felt by the family.

Brendan hopes for justice and answers as the cold case review unfolds. The family is now calling for a thorough investigation to uncover the truth behind Liam’s death, which they believe has long been overlooked.

Authorities are expected to provide updates as the Serious Crime Review Team begins its investigation. This case has garnered significant attention, and the community is eager for resolution. Stay tuned for more developments as this story unfolds.