A file has been sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions in connection with the killing of a Donegal farmer whose body was found on a remote road in the county in 1996.
His death was at first thought to be the result of a hit-and-run accident, but gardai in Letterkenny now believe Richard Barron suffered a violent assault. They have submitted a substantial file to the DPP following a lengthy investigation.
The file relates to three people, aged in their 20s, who gardai believe were involved in the murder of Mr Barron (55), who lived at The Common, Raphoe.
A passing motorist discovered the body on an isolated road in Townparks at 12.55 a.m. on October 14th, 1996, with severe head injuries. Mr Barron had been drinking heavily in the town that evening.
However, gardai were subsequently given reason to treat his death as suspicious, and in December 1996 several people were arrested and questioned. Investigating officers are now satisfied that Mr Barron was not struck by a car, but was violently assaulted.
A file containing hundreds of statements has been compiled and was submitted to the DPP last month. Up to 12 people have been questioned in what gardai are now treating as a murder case.