GARDAÍ IN KILKENNY have arrested a 52-year-old man on suspicion of murdering Ann Nancy Smyth – 28 years ago.

The 79-year-old widow was found dead at her home on Wolfe Tone Street, in Kilkenny, on 11 September 1987.

She had been strangled, after which her house was set on fire.

Her killing was the subject of a cold case investigation, and was featured on an episode of RTÉ’s Crimecall in 2012, as reported by the Irish Examiner at the time.

This evening, three years later, Gardaí arrested the 52-year-old suspect in Kilkenny, and formally charged him with murder.

He has been detained overnight, and is due to appear at a special sitting of Kilkenny District Court tomorrow morning at 9.30 am.

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Kilkenny man charged with 1987 murder of Ann Nancy Smyth

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.