Gardai release 'facial illustration' in bid to identify skeletal remains found in 2021

An Garda Síochána is continuing to appeal to the public for information regarding the identity of skeletal remains discovered on January 5, 2021 at a construction site along the Midleton to Youghal Greenway in Co Cork.

The investigation team have engaged a forensic specialist in facial reconstruction from Penn West University, Dr. Michelle Vitali.

As part of ongoing efforts to identify the deceased, Gardaí have now released a facial illustration of the elderly woman.

Forensic examinations indicate that the remains are those of a female, believed to have been over 70 years old at the time of her death, which is estimated — based on carbon dating and isotope analysis — to have occurred between 1985 and 1987.

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Believed to be between 5’ to 5’ 2” in height of a large frame, she also wore a full set of dentures believed to have been made in around the 1960s and suffered from oestoarthritis.

The dentures are believed to have been made in around the 1960s. They have a porous acrylic base, the teeth are porcelain posteriors with acrylic anterior and would most likely have been privately made.

Items of clothing and shoes were also recovered at the scene included: a slip, tights, and a nightdress which was notably buttoned up to the neck as well as size two brown and black leather shoes .

Investigating Gardaí are hopeful that based on the entirety of all this information, and the facial reconstruction image, that someone will be able to identify this lady.

DNA samples have been compared against the National DNA Database, and a positive match has not been obtained at this time. An Garda Síochána is also liaising with Interpol.

Examinations of missing persons records have not identified any potential matches at this time.

The Garda investigation team can be contacted at the incident room at Cobh Garda Station 021 4908530, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.

Any information received by the investigation team will be treated with the strictest of confidence.  Gardaí are determined to identify this person and treat them with the respect and dignity they deserve.

If you have any information that could help in the possible identification of this lady, no matter how insignificant you may think it might be, please contact the Garda investigation team, let them decide on the importance of your information.

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