Commissioner orders cold case review into Liam Farrell death
Family says review offers 'a glimmer of hope' after years seeking answers
The Garda Commissioner has asked the Serious Crime Review Team (SCRT) to examine the investigation into the death of Leitrim farmer Liam Farrell, according to a letter sent to the family. In the correspondence dated 21 October, Commissioner Justin Kelly said the Detective Chief Superintendent with responsibility for the SCRT “will consider the concerns you have raised and will make contact with you in the coming weeks to advise you of the plan for the review.”
After receiving the Commissioner’s letter, Peter Farrell said the family “welcomes the move” and is “cautiously optimistic” about the process. “We expect to hear from the Cold Case Review Team in the coming weeks,” he said, noting the family recently submitted a 44-page dossier to the Minister for Justice and to the Commissioner outlining what they believe is overwhelming evidence of third-party involvement.
While the SCRT review is not, at this stage, described as a brand-new investigation, it will apply modern review methodology to the original inquiry and identify new investigative opportunities. The unit—colloquially known as the Garda Cold Case Unit—sits within the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation and reviews unresolved historical and current major crimes with the aim of surfacing new lines of inquiry.
The Farrell family said they look forward to engaging with the review team and to having key questions addressed about the conduct and scope of the original investigation. “We’re not calling this ‘good news’—there’s no happiness in any of this—but we do see it as a necessary step toward the truth,” Peter Farrell said.
Background: Mr Farrell, who lived alone, was found at the back door of his home. The case has drawn renewed attention in recent months as the family pressed for a comprehensive review. Commissioner Justin Kelly, who succeeded Drew Harris this autumn, has recently outlined priorities for serious and organised crime, with the SCRT among the specialist capabilities available to Garda management.