01-06-2025
‘Extremely violent' chief suspect in Fiona Pender murder probe made home search taunt to cops & evil gesture at family
THE chief suspect in the murder of missing woman Fiona Pender previously taunted cops on the case.
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Fiona Pender's case was recently upgraded to a murder probe
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Gardaí investigating the case recently carried out new searches in Offaly and Laois
Credit: Damien Eagers - The Sun Dublin
Fiona, 25, was seven months pregnant
Initially classed as a
A few years after her disappearance, the chief suspect made the call when rumours swept through the Co Offaly town that he had
Although the main suspect has previously been quizzed by Gardai and over 300 statements taken, no one has ever been charged with Fiona's disappearance and murder.
READ MORE IN FIONA PENDER
Gardai were also made aware of times when he often smirked at Fiona's mother Josephine, who passed away in 2017.
One source said: 'The chief suspect was doing some work on a
'He considered himself untouchable and made the call at a time when there was no evidence linking him to her murder.
'This man also smirked at Fiona's mother because he knew Josephine believed he was the person who killed her daughter.
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'This individual is extremely violent and yet there are still people who are protecting him — even though he could turn on them at any minute.
'The fact he has kept quiet all these years shows he has nothing but contempt for innocent people.'
Justice Minister appeals for information as fresh digs take place in Fiona Pender murder probe
The source added: 'Josephine said all along that she knew who killed her daughter.
'She kept fighting for Fiona and just wanted to find her.
'Justice was not the primary concern for Josephine — it was about finding her daughter and giving her a Christian burial.
'Josephine also worked with other
FRESH SEARCHES
Officers from the Laois/Offaly Garda Division started their search in a remote area around 8km from Tullamore on Monday morning.
They were targeting an area of bogland after receiving new information earlier this year regarding the young woman's murder.
The Irish Sun can reveal the information was provided by a local man. We also understand it's the first time Gardai had received this specific information.
'SUFFERED TOO LONG'
The TD added: 'There's obviously people out there who have information in respect of Fiona's disappearance and I would urge them to bring that information to the attention of Gardai.
'Her family have suffered too long in terms of waiting for a conclusion in respect of this terrible event.'
A fresh search operation of open ground at a location in Co Laois also took place this week.
Discussing the recent searches, Gardai confirmed the areas of land were "searched and subject to excavation, technical and forensic examinations".
A spokesperson added: 'Investigating Gardai continue to appeal to any person with any information in relation to the disappearance of Fiona to please come forward as soon as possible.
'Anyone with information should contact Tullamore Garda Station on 057 932 7600, or any Garda station.'
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Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan described the search as a significant development
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Fiona was seven months pregnant when she disappeared
