Inside The Celbridge Lab: How FSI’s 2023 Breakthroughs Solved Cold Cases, Murders And The Case Of A Missing Kildare Teenager

The lab's work was also instrumental in solving the murders of two gay men in Sligo.

In 2023, Forensic Science Ireland (FSI), based in Celbridge, achieved notable successes in solving cold cases and identifying missing persons through advanced forensic techniques, particularly DNA profiling.

These efforts have not only resolved long-standing cases but also provided critical insights into recent high-profile investigations.

Major Successes in DNA Profiling and Identification

Body Identifications:

Kildare Teenager Briain Holmes: Missing since May 2023, Holmes’ remains were discovered near the Cliffs of Moher in October, with DNA matching his mother’s profile on the database.

FSI’s DNA profiling efforts led to the successful identification of 124 bodies where visual identification was not possible. This involved comparing DNA from personal items, such as toothbrushes, and conducting kinship matching with relatives.

Key cases included:

Gerard Taylor: Missing since 2019, Taylor’s remains were found in Dublin in February 2023, and identified through DNA from a toothbrush.

Joe Delaney: Missing since November 2021, Delaney was identified through a DNA match with remains found in Cornwall, England, facilitated by Interpol.

Andrew Finni: Missing since May 2022, Finni’s DNA profile from a partial skull found off Howth matched his profile on the database.

Additionally, 47 reports were issued for cases involving DNA profiling from missing persons’ relatives and personal items, contributing to both national and international efforts.

High-Profile Cases and Trials

Ashling Murphy Case:

The tragic murder of Ashling Murphy, fatally stabbed on January 12, 2022, on the banks of the Grand Canal in Tullamore, saw extensive contributions from FSI.

The forensic team worked tirelessly, including out-of-hours shifts, to perform DNA and fingerprint analyses on numerous exhibits. These analyses led to significant findings, including a male-specific DNA profile match between Jozef Puska and samples from Murphy’s fingernails.

Further evidence linked Puska to a bicycle found at the scene.

On November 9, 2023, following a three-week trial at the Central Criminal Court, Jozef Puska was found guilty of Murphy’s murder.

The trial saw critical contributions from two current FSI scientists, a seconded Garda member, and a retired FSI scientist.

Sligo Murders and Assault:

In October 2023, Yousef Palani pleaded guilty to the murders of Aidan Moffitt and Michael Snee, and to causing serious harm to Anthony Burke in Sligo during a four-day period in April 2022.

 FSI’s forensic analysis was pivotal in linking Palani to these crimes.

Key evidence included:

Blood on Footwear: Found at Palani’s residence, DNA matched Aidan Moffitt’s profile.

Blood on Tracksuit Bottoms: DNA matched Michael Snee’s profile, with wearer's DNA linking the tracksuit to Palani.

Semen Stains: A blue blanket from the scene was stained with semen matching Palani’s DNA. DNA recovered from a condom also contained elements of Palani’s DNA profile.

Service Flexibility and Court Appearances

Staff attended court 133 times in 2023, reflecting a rising trend in court appearances due to the increasing complexity of forensic evidence. The number of virtual court appearances decreased to 17, suggesting a gradual return to in-person proceedings.

Expansion of the DNA Database

The National DNA Database, operational since November 2015, saw significant growth in 2023, with 7,327 new profiles added, increasing from 67,301 to 74,628.

This expansion enhances the database’s effectiveness in solving crimes and identifying missing persons, continuing to be a crucial tool in forensic investigations.