LAST UPDATE | 31 Dec 2024

GARDAÍ INVESTIGATING THE death of a 58-year-old woman whose body was discovered on farmland in Co Roscommon have officially launched a murder investigation.

Gardaí have already seized two cars and were examining a property in Athlone in connection with the investigation.

Mirjana Pap had been the subject of a garda missing person appeal after she was reported missing from her home in Athlone, Co Westmeath on Saturday.

The appeal was stood down yesterday following the discovery of a body on lands at Curraghaleen, approximately 9km west of Athlone. 

A post-mortem examination was carried out earlier today by Deputy State Pathologist Dr Yvonne McCarthy at Galway University Hospital.

Following the post-mortem examination, gardaí commenced a murder investigation.

A senior investigating officer (SIO) has been appointed to lead the investigation and an incident room has been established at Athlone garda station.

A family liaison officer has also been assigned to provide support to Mirjana Pap’s family.

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses or anyone with any information to come forward.

They are “particularly interested in the movements of a silver 08G registered Peugeot 207 on Saturday 28th of December 2024 between 11am and 12 noon,” a garda statement said.

“The car is understood to have travelled from Beechville estate, Athlone onto the N6 motorway (west bound) from junction 11 to junction 13 before continuing on the R362 from Monksland to Bealnaulla. Motorists who travelled along these routes within this timeframe are asked to provide Gardaí with dash-cam footage.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Athlone Garda Station on 090 649 8550, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.