Leitrim Man Liam Farrell’s Body Exhumed Today
The body of an 87-year-old Leitrim man is being exhumed today as part of a cold case inquiry. The operation is taking place at Cloonmorris cemetery in Bornacoola.
Exhumation and forensic work
Gardaí are carrying out the exhumation this morning. A forensic post mortem will follow the procedure.
An anthropologist will assist the post mortem exam. Specialists will seek evidence of any prior assault.
Case background and inquest
The deceased, Liam Farrell, was discovered at the rear of his Rooskey home in January 2020. He was found in a bloodied and bruised condition.
No forensic pathologist examined his body at the time of death. The official cause recorded was a heart attack.
Family members have long maintained he may have been attacked before he died. An inquest in Carrick-on-Shannon returned an open verdict in September 2024.
Investigation developments and possible outcomes
Following the inquest, Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly ordered a cold case review in September. Gardaí requested the exhumation as part of that probe.
Alan Bailey, former head of the cold case unit, said investigators would open a murder probe if signs of assault emerge. The outcome will depend on forensic findings.
Timeline
- January 2020 — Farrell found dead at his Rooskey home.
- September 2024 — Inquest in Carrick-on-Shannon returned an open verdict.
- September (following the inquest) — Garda Commissioner ordered a cold case review.
- Today — Body exhumed at Cloonmorris cemetery, Bornacoola for further examination.
Filmogaz.com will continue to follow the investigation into Liam Farrell. Updates will appear as forensic results become available.
