Farrell family await forensic results from hay shed for justice in father’s death

The family of Liam Farrell, the 87-year-old man from Aughamore, Co. Leitrim, who died under suspicious circumstances in 2020, is renewing calls for a fresh investigation after new forensic evidence was found in a hay shed on their property. Peter and Brendan Farrell, two of Liam’s sons, have been vocal in their pursuit of justice, expressing cautious optimism as they await forensic testing results.

A private forensic team hired by the family discovered traces of blood using luminol on Friday. The team had to stop their work due to what they found and turned the evidence over to the Gardaí. The following day, the Gardaí conducted their own forensic investigation at the Farrell home, spending over eight hours in the old hay shed. Peter explained, “It basically is a second crime scene that was discovered that was totally missed in the first initial investigation.” A neighbor informed the family that their father might have been dragged into the shed. “I was told that my father did not die where he was found… He was dragged there,” Peter recalled.

Peter described the significance of the blood discovery: “We fully expect it’s going to be human blood. We fully expect it’s going to be our father’s blood.” He emphasized that the shed had not been used for farming in years: “There has been very little traffic in there… No hay has been put in there.”

The moment the luminol revealed traces of blood was striking. “When the forensic team turned off the lights, it lit up like a Christmas tree.” This discovery has prompted the family to demand a renewed investigation. Peter criticized the original inquiry, stating, “We were left with too many unanswered questions after the first investigation.”

He expressed disappointment over the denial of a public appeal for information by the Gardaí earlier this year: “We were absolutely astonished when the public appeal was denied. We still don’t know who made that decision.” He believes that outreach could have generated valuable leads: “There are people out there who may have seen something… without that appeal, we’re losing potential evidence.”

Despite the challenges, the Farrell family remains steadfast in their quest for justice. “We want justice. We are not going to rest until we get justice for our father,” Peter asserted. He also emphasized the family's obligation: “We have an obligation to our own father to ensure that justice is served.”

Brendan Farrell echoed his brother’s sentiments but has chosen to withhold comments until the forensic results are confirmed. “I’m waiting on the results, just like everyone else… Regardless of the forensic outcome, we’re still fighting for a new investigation,” he said.

Support for the Farrell family has come from local political figures, including County Councillors Paddy Farrell and Sean McGowan, who back their calls for justice. However, the family has expressed frustration over the slow progress and lack of public outreach. “It’s astonishing how many people in Roosky weren’t aware that anything happened to Liam Farrell,” Peter noted.

As they await the forensic examination results, the Farrell family remains determined. “We fully expect a further investigation from Dublin with no hindrance… Time will tell,” Peter concluded. The family is committed to uncovering the truth and securing justice for their father, who they believe deserves answers after years of uncertainty.