Garda Exhumes Liam Farrell’s Body Today in Cold Case Review

Mo. Basuony

Published: April 10, 2026 2:09 AM ET

Garda Exhumes Liam Farrell’s Body Today in Cold Case Review

Garda teams carried out an exhumation today, Friday April 10. The move forms part of an ongoing cold case review into the death of Liam Farrell.

What happened

Liam Farrell was an 87-year-old farmer from Roosky. Family members found him at the back door of his home on January 12, 2020.

He was reported bloodied and bruised. His shoes and socks were removed and his watch was broken.

Previous inquest

A coroner’s inquest in September 2024 returned an open verdict. The jury said the injuries were not inconsistent with a fall during a heart attack or with third-party involvement.

The family had sought a verdict of unlawful killing. They continue to believe he was assaulted before suffering a heart attack.

Exhumation and forensic work

The exhumation took place at Cloonmorris Cemetery in Bornacoola. The request for the exhumation was approved earlier this month.

Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan authorised the formal application from An Garda Síochána and the Sligo/Leitrim coroner. State Pathologist Professor Linda Mulligan is expected to conduct a new post-mortem examination.

Investigation team and appeals

Detective Superintendent Des McTiernan leads the cold case team. He made a renewed public appeal for assistance on RTÉ’s Crimecall programme.

Willie Farrell, one of Liam’s sons, told Filmogaz.com the family is determined to establish the facts. He urged anyone with information to come forward.