A man arrested on suspicion of the murder of missing Kilkenny woman Josephine "Jo Jo" Dullard has been released without charge.
The man ages in his 50s was detained for questioning yesterday morning, in what was the first arrest since the Kilkenny woman disappeared almost 30 years ago.
Last week Gardaí issued a fresh appeal for information before beginning a new major search operation.
Yesterday morning, they confirmed that they had arrested a man in his 50s on suspicion of murdering Ms Dullard.
The search for Jo Jo Dullard continues near Grangecon. 12/11/2024 Image: Alamy Stock PhotoIt is understood he was one of the last people to have contact with the 21-year-old on the night she disappeared.
Gardaí have spoken with him in the past; however, they decided to formally arrest him yesterday.
The man in his 50s was held at a Garda Station in County Kildare before being released without charge.
Search operation
A search operation is continuing on open ground, at a location in Wicklow close to the Kildare border.
The land near Grangecon will be searched and excavated over the coming days with technical and forensic examinations in the coming days.
It is understood the air space above the site is being temporarily restricted and a forensic archaeologist is on-site to help with the search.
Officers also searched two private homes yesterday morning.
A search near Grangecon as part of the investigation into the disappearance of Jo Jo Dullard. 12/11/2024 Image: Alamy Stock PhotoGardaí have said they will be keeping Ms Dullard’s family fully updated on the investigation.
They are continuing to appeal for witnesses and anyone with any information on Ms Dullard’s appearance to contact them.
They urged anyone with any information “no matter how small or insignificant you might believe it to be” to contact them at Naas Garda Station.
Last sightings
21-year-old Jo Jo Dullard was last seen in Moone Co. Kildare on November 9th, 1995, as she made her way home from a night out in Dublin.
Ms Dullard missed the last bus to Kilkenny and instead got a bus to Naas in Kildare in the hope of hitchhiking the rest of the way.
After hitching two lifts from Naas to Moone in County Kildare, she phoned her friend and told her that another car had stopped and she was going to take the lift.
That was the last time her family or friends heard from her.
Gardaí ontinuing to appeal for witnesses and for anyone with any information on Ms Dullard’s appearance to contact them.
The investigation is ongoing.
Additional reporting by Molly Cantwell.
Split feature image of Garda Station: Eamonn Farrell/© RollingNews.ie
