A Tragic Discovery After Decades

Nearly five decades after the brutal murder of 23-year-old Elizabeth Plunkett, her family has uncovered a harrowing truth: the men who confessed to her abduction, rape, and murder were never prosecuted for her death. This revelation has prompted the family to call upon Garda Commissioner Drew Harris to reopen the investigation and pursue justice that has long been denied.

The 1976 Crime: A Heinous Act

On August 29, 1976, Elizabeth Plunkett was abducted from Brittas Bay in County Wicklow. She was subsequently raped, strangled, and her body was tied to a lawnmower before being disposed of in the sea. Her remains were discovered four weeks later on Duncormick beach in County Wexford. The brutality of the crime shocked the nation and left a lasting scar on her family and community.

The Perpetrators: Geoffrey Evans and John Shaw

Geoffrey Evans and John Shaw, two Englishmen, had traveled to Ireland with a premeditated plan to commit a series of murders. Within a month of Elizabeth’s murder, they abducted, raped, and killed another young woman, Mary Duffy. Both men were apprehended and confessed to the murders of both Elizabeth Plunkett and Mary Duffy. However, they were only convicted for the murder of Mary Duffy. Evans died in 2012, while Shaw remains incarcerated at Arbour Hill Prison in Dublin.

A Family’s Quest for Justice

For years, the Plunkett family believed that Evans and Shaw had been held accountable for Elizabeth’s murder. In 2023, they were approached to participate in the parole board process, only to learn that the men had not been convicted for Elizabeth’s death. This revelation was a profound shock, leading the family to question the justice system’s handling of the case.

In a statement, the family expressed their anguish: “Elizabeth was hunted down and savagely killed by two men who, less than a month later, went on to murder another woman, Mary Duffy. Despite these vile criminals confessing to murdering both Elizabeth and Mary, they were only ever convicted of Mary’s murder.”

The Inquest: A Step Toward Closure

An inquest into Elizabeth’s death was held at Gorey Courthouse, where a jury returned a verdict of unlawful killing. Coroner Dr. Sean Nixon explained that Elizabeth’s death had never been officially registered, and no records of an inquest could be found, leading to the recent proceedings. While this verdict provides some acknowledgment of the crime, the family remains steadfast in their pursuit of full justice.

Calls for Reopening the Case

Armed with the knowledge that Evans and Shaw were never tried for Elizabeth’s murder, the Plunkett family is urging Garda Commissioner Drew Harris to reopen the investigation and submit a new file to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). They seek accountability and recognition for the crime that took their beloved Elizabeth.

Reflecting on Systemic Failures

This case highlights potential shortcomings in the criminal justice system, particularly in handling cases of sexual violence and murder. The fact that confessed killers were not prosecuted for all their admitted crimes raises concerns about procedural oversights and the prioritization of cases.

The Broader Impact

The Plunkett family’s ordeal underscores the enduring pain experienced by families of murder victims, especially when justice is perceived as incomplete. Their courage in seeking answers serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability within the justice system.

A Plea for Justice

As the Plunkett family continues their quest, they embody the resilience and determination of those who refuse to let their loved ones be forgotten. Their call to action is not only for Elizabeth but for all victims whose cases have not seen full justice.

Conclusion

The tragic case of Elizabeth Plunkett serves as a poignant reminder of the need for diligence and thoroughness in the pursuit of justice. As her family seeks to have her case reopened, it is an opportunity for the justice system to address past oversights and ensure that such failures are not repeated.

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