Waterford Gardaí say investigation into the disappearance of Imelda Keenan is 'open and active'
Imelda Keenan
Gardaí are renewing their appeal for information on the 31st anniversary of the disappearance of Imelda Keenan, in Waterford.
Twenty-two-year-old Imelda, was last seen in Waterford City on Monday, January 3, 1994.
Waterford Superintendent Gavin Hegarty told the Waterford News and Star that there is a senior investigator examining the evidence in Imelda's case and urges anyone with information to come forward.
"This is very much an active and open investigation into Imelda's disappearance. We want to be in a position to tell Imelda's family what happened to her and right now we can't do that," said Supt Hegarty.
The superintendent said any information might be helpful.
He said it is possible that a person may have information they believe the Gardaí have been told or that someone who spoke to Gardaí at the time might remember things differently now.
Supt Hegarty urged those people to come forward anyway, commenting: "If you have information. If your recollection is different now or if you believe we already have the information, I would rather hear it four times than not at all."
Imelda who was originally from Mountmellick in County Laois, was living with her boyfriend in Waterford City.
On the day she went missing, Imelda left her apartment at 1.30pm and walked down William Street and onto Lombard Street.
The last confirmed sighting of Imelda was at the corner of the Tower Hotel and Lombard Street, where she was seen crossing the street.
Imelda was reported missing by her brother, Edward, the following day.
Supt Hegarty said that they are not ruling out that Imelda is still alive.
"We are not closing any doors or avenues," said Supt Hegarty.
If that is the case, Imelda would now be 53 years old.
Gardaí have released a computer-generated age-progressed picture of what Imelda may look like today.
However, Supt Hegarty said there is also a distinct possibility that Imelda is deceased.
"If that is the case we would like to know where she is, where she lies and how she met her demise. We would like to know for the Keenan family," said Supt Hegarty.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Gardaí at Waterford Garda Station on (051) 305 300, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
"Imelda was known for her quiet demeanour, her love of music and her strong family ties. Despite extensive investigations spanning 31 years, the silence surrounding her fate remains unbroken. We continue to urge anyone with information or the ability to assist our investigation to come forward," said Supt Hegarty.
Meanwhile, her family have been searching for information ever since she disappeared. Every Christmas, her brother makes a new appeal for information in the hopes of finding Imelda.
