Gardaí in Mayo say they have had a positive response to their new appeal for information on the death of Eddie Fitzmaurice (83), a shopkeeper who was assaulted and left to die at his home in Co Mayo seven years ago.
Mr Fitzmaurice died of hypothermia after he was robbed, assaulted, gagged and tied to a chair in the bedroom of his house at Bellaghy, Charlestown, in early May, 1998. Mr Fitzmaurice lived alone over his drapery shop and it was five days before his body was found by a neighbour.
A significant reward has been offered by local businesses who have linked up with Crimestoppers - the Garda organisation funded by the Department of Justice and the private sector - to try and find those responsible for the fatal assault.
Over 30 gardaí assigned to the crime had been unable to find the culprits.
The renewed investigation is being led by Supt Ken Brennan of Swinford with the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation. Anyone with information should contact (094-9252999), or the confidential line ( 1800 666111) or Crimestoppers (1800 250025).
