A retired PSNI detective believes the investigation into the discovery of a young woman who was found dead in Monaghan almost two years ago should be upgraded to homicide.
The body of 23-year-old Kelly Lynch was found in the Ulster Canal in Monaghan Town on the morning of Sunday, March 17, 2024, with An Garda Síochána later confirming that her death was not being treated as suspicious.
Since Kelly's death, her family have always suspected foul play, with the Lynch family believing there are people in the area that know what happened to Kelly on the night she was last seen alive.
She was found with 93 separate injuries, and a post-mortem examination determined that she died from drowning. However, her family have remained unconvinced and, in recent months, have commissioned a private forensic report, which concludes that the manner of death in the case is homicide.
The report was carried out with assistance from the Katie Trust, which supports families who have concerns or unanswered questions surrounding the death of a loved one.
Retired PSNI detective James Brannigan, who now leads up the Katie Trust, claims that the Garda investigation left basic questions unanswered. He says more investigations have been taken place into the peer review than there was when the initial discovery of Kelly's remains were made on St Patrick's Day in 2024. Mr Brannigan says questions that have not been answered now need to be given to the Lynch family.
Meanwhile, Gardai continue to appeal to anyone with information on the death of Ms Lynch to contact them.
An Garda Síochána issued Northern Sound with the following statement this afternoon.
Garda Commissioner Drew Harris and Chief Superintendent Alan McGovern, Louth-Cavan-Monaghan Division, met with the family of Ms Kelly Lynch on 21st October 2024, and listened carefully to their concerns.
Following this meeting, Commissioner Harris directed that a Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) from a Division external to the Louth-Cavan-Monaghan Division conduct a peer review of the investigation into the death of Ms Lynch.
An Garda Síochána is currently conducting that peer review of the original Garda investigation. The SIO is keeping the family up to date with the progress of the review. An Garda Síochána is also assisting the Coroner's Inquest and fully co-operating with the Fiosrú investigation. These processes are ongoing.
An Garda Síochána appeals to anyone with direct information on the death of Ms Lynch to contact Gardaí.
