Partial human remains found in Michael Gaine investigation
Gardaí have confirmed that partial human remains have been found at the scene of an investigation into the disappearance and homicide of farmer Michael Gaine.
Michael Gaine was reported missing from his home near Kenmare on Friday, March 21, 2025.
The suckler and sheep farmer was last seen in Kenmare town on Thursday, March 20, 2025.
This morning (Saturday, May 17), gardaí said they had declared a crime scene as part of the investigation.
This followed the resumption of operations by investigators at lands in Carrig East, Kenmare, Co. Kerry.
In a further update this evening, gardaí have confirmed the discovery of partial human remains.
The garda statement said: "Gardaí at Killarney Garda Station continue to investigate the disappearance and homicide of Michael Gaine (56), who was reported missing from his home near Kenmare, Co. Kerry, on Friday, March 21, 2025.
"As part of the investigation, gardaí resumed search operations at lands in Carrig East, Kenmare, Co. Kerry on Friday evening, May 16, 2025, and a crime scene was declared.
"This afternoon, May 17, 2025, state pathologist Dr. Sally Anne Collis and forensic anthropologist Laureen Buckley, assisted by the Garda Technical Bureau, carried out preliminary examinations at the scene," the statement added.
"An Garda Síochána can confirm that partial human remains have been found. Searches are ongoing to recover any further human remains," gardaí said.
Gardaí explained that DNA analysis will be required to carry out formal identification of the recovered human remains.
It is understood that the process of DNA identification will take a period of time.
The garda statement added: "The homicide investigation, led by a senior investigating officer and the Serious Crime Unit Kerry Garda Division is ongoing, supported by the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (GNBCI).
On April 29, gardaí announced that their missing person investigation into the disappearance of Michael Gaine had been upgraded to a homicide investigation.
Gardaí said the decision to upgrade the investigation to homicide was based on the information available to the investigation team at Killarney Garda Station.
Gardaí said at the time that “a formal criminal investigation has now commenced”.
