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Annie McCarrick ‘now or never’ latest amid mum’s heartbreaking question as new search ends in chilling murder mystery
THE heartbroken mother of Annie McCarrick says she doesn’t “know what to say anymore” after the search for her daughter’s remains ended without a breakthrough.
It comes as a former FBI agent and private investigator believes it’s “now or never” if gardai are to crack the 32-year murder mystery.
New Yorker Annie, 26, was last seen alive on March 26, 1993, in Sandymount in south Dublin.
Over three decades on, her devastated mum Nancy reiterated that she does not want justice, but wants answers.
After learning of the news that the search had ended, she told Irish Sun: “We were very hopeful actually.
“I would just like to know what happened. I truly don’t know what to say anymore. I really don’t.”
And top investigator Kenneth Strange warned “time is the investigators’ worst enemy” as a major dig for Annie’s remains at a Dublin house concluded after 12 days.
The suspect in the case, a 62-year-old businessman, was arrested at his plush rural Co Meath home on June 12 and brought to Irishtown Garda Station in south Dublin where he was quizzed on suspicion of murder.
On the same day, gardai drafted in heavy machinery to a house in Clondalkin, southwest Dublin.
But a garda spokesman said today: “The search at a domestic residence in Clondalkin has concluded this afternoon. An Garda Siochana will remain on site in order to return the site to the current residents.
“We have updated the family of Annie McCarrick of today’s developments.
“An Garda Siochana appeals to anyone with any information, no matter how small or insignificant they might believe it to be, to contact the Garda Investigation team.”
Gardai suspect 26-year-old Annie had stayed at the property for a short period prior to her disappearance.
Its current owners and occupiers are in no way linked to the case.
Mr Strange became involved in Annie’s case in 2003.
He says it is time for answers in the mystery as the passing of time will only create further complications in the case.
Strange also insisted that the suspect in the case will be “feeling a great deal of stress”.
Mr Strange told the Irish Sun: “It could be a now or never type of situation.
“I’ve said before – time is the investigators’ worst enemy.
“Witnesses and people pass away. Memories fade, evidence can be mishandled, all of that stuff works against investigators.
“So I believe it’s got to be now.”
The suspect in the case was released after 24 hours in custody, where he denied any involvement in the murder and made no admissions.
MURDER UPGRADE
While he is a free man, Mr Strange insists that the suspect will be feeling the pressure as investigations progress.
He explained: “That’s my experience from my 21 year law enforcement career, as an investigator, as a person that has been involved with criminals and the criminal mind.
“So I’m sure that he’s feeling a great deal of stress.”
Annie’s case was upgraded to murder two years ago and the suspect became the focus of investigations.
The suspect knew Annie prior to her disappearance in March 1993.
ENCOURAGING PROGRESS
Gardai also investigated claims that the suspect assaulted Annie while he was drunk in an incident prior to her vanishing.
Mr Strange admits that he is as “frustrated as anybody else” that it took so long to make the first arrest and progress in the case.
But he told us: “These cases sometimes take on a life of its own. It depends on so many circumstances.
“But I’m encouraged by the progress that I’m seeing now.
“This new team of investigators, I just get the sense that they’re dedicated and that they’re really intent on bringing justice to this case.”
NO DEFINITE ANSWERS
Cold case cops are reinterviewing witnesses in the case while also examining electronic devices seized from the murder suspect’s home.
Despite extensive investigations, Annie’s body has never been found, nor have any definitive answers.
She was an only child of Nancy and John, who died in 2009 without any answers, who lived on Long Island in New York.
Annie’s aunt Maureen in recent days hit out at the previous Garda investigation into her niece’s disappearance and murder and declared: “They botched it.”
She said: “They botched it. They admitted it.
“They didn’t listen to the family and did not investigate who we thought was guilty in the very beginning.
“They didn’t follow up on things they should have.
“That’s no secret. It is all documented. I don’t know.
“They didn’t do anything for the first 24 hours, because she was of age.
“And no matter how many times we said there is something wrong, it was: Oh, she is off on an adventure and she will turn up.”
CLOSURE FOR FAMILY
Nancy added: “But it was the time, too. It was a different country.
“And we were so much more accustomed to every crime going over here.”
US lawyer Michael Griffith, who represented Annie’s later father John, told of his hopes she can be found, adding: “I continue to hope that this latest strand of the investigation by the Irish authorities can lead to some closure for Annie’s family.
CONCERNS RAISED
“They have been waiting far too long to bring her home and to secure justice.
“They have done fantastic work over the years in keeping her case in the public eye.”
Former colleagues and pals of the suspect, who are due to be reinterviewed by gardai, have raised concerns about his alibis at the time the US woman went missing.
One source said: “A plan is in place to establish the whereabouts of the suspect’s former colleagues at the time of Annie’s disappearance and reinterview them.
“It’s possible that through the passage of time that they might recall something that they might have forgotten about at the time.
“There are concerns over the suspect’s alibis but any evidence at the moment is just circumstantial.
“One strand is that one of the suspect’s former colleagues had concerns about his lack of empathy after Annie’s disappearance.
“This person made it clear that the suspect didn’t appear to be too grief stricken considering how much he was obsessed with Annie.”
The source added: “The suspect was obsessed with Annie and there is a feeling that his belief was that if he couldn’t have her then no-one could.
“He had been violent in the past and at the time Annie just wanted to get on with her life.”
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Five men accused of attacking man allegedly branded ‘rat’, to face non-jury trial as books of evidence served
FIVE men accused of attacking a man who was allegedly branded a “rat”, beaten and held in a west Dublin house will stand trial in the Special Criminal Court.
Brothers Jason Hennessy Jnr, 28, Devon Hennessy, 29, and Brandon Hennessy, 22, of Sheephill Avenue, Kenneth Fitzsimons, 45, and his son, Dean, 24, of Castlecurragh Vale, Dublin 15, had been remanded in custody over an incident on February 12 last at the Hennessys’ home.
They were initially charged with various offences, including causing serious harm to the alleged victim and falsely imprisoning him, as well as producing an article during a dispute.
Later, gardai charged them with additional serious offences under Section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act, 2006, “for the purpose of enhancing the ability of a criminal organisation to commit a serious offence”.
The five appeared before Judge Alan Mitchell at Cloverhill District Court today.
Judge Mitchell noted that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had directed trial on indictment.
Furthermore, a State solicitor informed Judge Mitchell that the DPP authorised the five men to be sent forward for trial to the non-jury Special Criminal Court, mainly used for terrorism and organised crime cases.
Gardai served them with books of evidence.
The DPP drafted a certificate under section 46.2 of the Offences Against the State Act that, in this case, “the ordinary courts are inadequate to secure the effective administration of justice”.
It was furnished to the judge, who granted the return for trial order, to the venue sought by the DPP; however, a date for their appearance at the three-judge court, in the Criminal Courts of Justice, has yet to be set.
The defendants have not indicated pleas and were remanded in continuing custody.
Copies of video evidence are to be handed over to their solicitor, Simon Fleming, who applied for legal aid.
‘RAT’ BRANDING CHARGES
The judge warned the men to notify the prosecution if they intended to adduce alibi evidence in their defence.
Legal aid was granted to include continued representation of Mr Fleming, along with a barrister and a senior counsel for each defendant.
Brandon Hennessy is charged with knowingly “holding down” the man while “RAT” was branded onto his face and torso.
Jason Hennessy and Dean Fitzsimons have charges alleging that their role was “branding the word RAT on the face and torso” of the man.
Kenneth Fitzsimons and Devon Hennessy are accused of assaulting the man “in preparation for branding the word RAT onto his face and torso”.
It is alleged that when the five men committed the offences outlined, they were “participating in an activity of the organisation”.
Brits will munch through 1,771 croissants in a lifetime – as supermarket creates giant flaky pastry
BRITS will scoff a whopping 1,771 croissants in their lifetime, according to new stats.
The figures revealed that as a nation we will treat ourselves to two of the delicious pastries each month, a survey said.
But according to a poll of 2,000 adults, carried out by OnePoll, three in 10 feel they shouldn’t cost more than a quid.
Although the average high street bakery is marking them up at a steeper £2.80.
In response to the new data, supermarket giant Asda is making an huge croissant – in a playful jab at other chains.
It has rolled out a limited-edition mega-croissant – five times bigger than standard – to echo the difference in price between the baked goods at different retailers.
The company’s single serve in-store bakery snack only costs 53p – in comparison to £3 for a similar product at some outlets.
A spokesperson from Asda said: “We had so much fun creating this giant croissant.
“We want to make sure the tasty French snack is accessible to all and will now be selling single-serve croissants in our new bakery counter for five times less than some other bakery chains.
“The price of such a simple item has risen considerably in recent years, and so we wanted to raise awareness off this using non-other than a giant version.”
It comes after the research also discovered 37 per cent prefer to buy their flakey goodies from the supermarket, either pre-packaged, or from the bakery counter.
And 17 per cent think they wouldn’t be able to notice a difference between a supermarket made one, from a handmade artisanal effort.
Meanwhile, 56 per cent of those polled consider it important that a croissant is authentically French, crafted using Gallic techniques and ingredients.
The spokesperson for Asda added: “There’s something undeniably comforting about a croissant – that perfect balance of crisp, flaky pastry and soft, buttery layers inside.
“Over the years, croissants have gone from being a continental treat to a firm favourite in British households and cafés, and it’s easy to see why.
“They bring a touch of indulgence to even the simplest of mornings.
“In the UK, we’ve wholeheartedly embraced the croissant – not just as a breakfast staple, but as a versatile snack throughout the day.
“But the prices have gone sky high in a number of our high street chains. We believe customers should be paying a fair price.”
This comes as shoppers have been raving about a brand new Reese’s chocolate dessert that’s just landed on Tesco shelves.
The Reese’s Mix-Ins Peanut Butter Chip & White Chocolate Dessert appears to be exclusive to the major supermarket and comes in at £3.50 for a 330g tub.
Tesco Clubcard holders can get it cheaper at £2.50.
A description on Tesco’s website says it’s a “white chocolate creamy dessert with Reese’s signature peanut butter chips”.
It adds: “The signature Reese’s peanut flavour you know and love hits the dessert world!”
A label on the tub says it’s “made for sharing” – that is, if you don’t want to keep it all to yourself.
And, snack maker Mars has also revealed a brand new flavour of one of its classic sweets hitting supermarkets.
Skittles Citrus is hitting supermarket and corner shop shelves across the UK, it has been confirmed to The Sun.
The bags contain five new flavours: Orange, Lemon, Lime, Mandarin and Blood Orange.
They will be sold as 109g and 136g packs.
Plus, earlier this year we revealed how Walkers fans were divided over a bold new twist on a British classic – Wotsits have been turned into a full-blown meal.
The cheesy baked corn snack, a staple under the Walkers brand since 2002, has been given a surprising revamp.
One savvy shopper took to the Facebook group Food Finds UK Official to share their bizarre find – Wotsits Mac ‘n’ Cheese bowls.
First look at Liam Payne in his final TV show as Netflix release trailer for Building The Band
THIS is the first look at Liam Payne in his final TV show as Netflix released the trailer for Building The Band.
Viewers will finally get to see the last project from the late One Direction star.
According to the streamer, 50 singers will form six bands without ever seeing each other in Building The Band.
Liam Payne will make a posthumous appearance as a judge in the new TV format in what was his final TV series before his tragic death in Argentina.
In a similar format to the hit Netflix dating show, Love Is Blind, the series seeks to form a new hit music group, but on voice and connection only.
Singers and artists show off their vocal talent in isolated and individual sound booths.
The singers will be in complete control over the audition process as they cannot see the other auditioning artists.
They will judge their fellow competitors purely on their raw vocal talents and musical compatibility, chemistry, and connection as they decide who they want to group up with.
When they do eventually meet in person, the competition could get tough as looks, choreography, work ethic and style all come into the forefront.
AJ Mclean from The Backstreet Boys will front the new series as he is joined by a set of former judges of The X Factor.
All three of the panel rose to fame as they featured in highly-popular and world famous bands.
Pussycat Dolls frontwoman Nicole Scherzinger joined the series as she serves as a mentor to the groups with an overseeing eye.
Destiny‘s Child legend Kelly Rowland, 44, will be sat directly beside Liam as a guest judge.
Sunset Boulevard star Nicole, 46, will also fulfill a role as a judge alongside her fellow music experts.
Together, the trio will bring their unparalleled music expertise and personal experience of being in a band to the forthcoming show.
After he was introduced with the stars in the clip, he declared to the contestants: “I need to see that connection between you guys.”
Tributes to Liam Payne
SHOCKED fans, former co-workers, loved ones and friends flooded social media with sad tributes to Liam Payne after news of his death emerged.
Harry Styles’ mum Anne was among the first from One Direction’s camp to share her reaction, posting a photo of Liam and writing ‘Just a boy…’ alongside a broken heart emoji.
Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden shared an image of the pair together with the words: “Such an awful tragedy.
“Sending love to his family and all those who loved him.”
X Factor star Olly Murs told fans he was “devastated” and “lost for words”.
He wrote on social media: “Liam shared the same passions as me, the same dreams so to see his life now end so young hits hard, I’m truly gutted and devastated for his Family and of course his son Bear losing a dad x”.
Liam Gallagher said he was “very sad” and told his followers on X: “Life is precious Kids, you only get to do it once, go easy.”
Former X Factor presenter Dermot O’Leary has also expressed his shock and spoke on This Morning.
He said: “I remember him as a 14 year old turning up to audition on The X Factor, and blowing us away singing Sinatra. He just loved to sing.
“He was always a joy, had time for everyone, polite, grateful, and was always humble.”
BBC Radio 2 presenter Zoe Ball reacted to the “devastating news” on her show and told fans she hugged her own son Woody tight this morning.
JLS band member Marvin Humes reflected on his memories with the singer, sharing: “I first met Liam in 2008 with the JLS boys whilst auditioning for X Factor..he was 14 years old..
“We instantly clicked and looked at him as a little brother..that year it worked out for us but not for him and then 2 years later he went back to audition and One Direction was born..the rest is history..
“Absolutely heartbroken by the tragic news..Liam you wanted to be a global superstar and you did it bro..just can’t believe that things have ended this way..it’s shocking..my thoughts and prayers are with all your family and friends brother..RIP.”
Niall Horan’s brother Greg shared an emotional tribute to Liam, praising him as a “top young man”.
He added: “You will be forever missed. Liam, words can’t describe how much I want to grab my brother and mind him now while the world shows their memories of you and him and the boys.
“My heart goes out to your family parents and sisters and your son Bear and your 1D brothers.
“10th October we met and we started out that evening as 5 families into one big one 1D family thank you for all the laughs bro watch down on all your family and mind them lots of love kiddo x x x 1D 4 LIFE x x x”
German DJ Anton Zaslavski, otherwise known as Zedd, has taken to X with a devastated statement.
The producer, who worked with Liam on his 2017 hit Get Low, wrote: “RIP Liam… I can’t believe this is real…absolutely heartbreaking…”
American singer, Charlie Puth, who was friends with Liam and also collaborated with him on a song called Bedroom Floor, has posted a series of Instagram stories dedicated to him.
Alongside photos of the two of them together in their younger days, Charlie wrote: “I am in shock right now. Liam was always so kind to me.
“He was one of the first major artists I got to work with. I can not believe he is gone…
“I am so upset right now, may he rest in peace. I am so sorry…”
Irish singer duo Jedward also took to social media, saying: “RIP Liam Payne. Condolences to friends and family.”
In another tweet, they added: “Sending strength to Cheryl and his son Bear. And all the One direction Family. RIP Liam Payne.”
American media personality Paris Hilton shared: “So upsetting to hear the news of Liam Payne passing. Sending love and condolences to his family & loved ones. RIP my friend.”
ITV weather presenter Alex Beresford shared a news video about Liam’s tragic death on Instagram, adding: “Can’t believe this! RIP Liam.”
Meanwhile Love Island star Molly Marsh penned: “I’m so taken aback, rest in peace.”
James Cordon also paid his own tribute, describing the star as a “loving and kind soul”.
The Gavin and Stacey actor wrote on Instagram: “Talking about Liam in the past tense is utterly heart-breaking.
“I will treasure the moments I got to spend with him. My thoughts are with his family today x.”
Payne previously appeared on Cordon’s The Late Late Show in America.
Former Little Mix star Jade Thirwall – who won X Factor with her bandmates one year after One Direction took part – described him as “the first friend I made in this industry”.
She said: “We fell out of touch as the years went by, but back in 2008 he was the first friend I made in this industry.
“Both of us so young, so ambitious, both hoping we’d ‘make it’. I hope you are at peace now”.
Camila Cabello described his death as a “tragedy” and said he “made an impression” on her when she was a young girl.
The star was also seen to be engaging with the studio crowd as he gave remarks on the process of the competition.
Comparing the journey with One Direction – who were also formed from solo artists in a competition, he admitted: “How these bands are put together is not normal.”
He sarcastically added: “We were not put together that way.”
Liam tragically passed away in October last year after he plunged from a third-storey balcony in Buenos Aires.
I need to see that connection between you guys!
Liam Payne
He wrapped production of the new series in August, just two months before his untimely death in Manchester’s Aviva Studios.
The streamer decided to put the release of the show on hold in the wake of the tragic incident.
Building the Band will premiere on Netflix on July 9th.
Huge Hollyoaks star quits after two years – and she’ll film her final scenes in weeks for explosive exit
A HUGE Hollyoaks star has quit the show after 18 months.
Actress Rita Simons joined the Channel 4 soap in early 2024 as gangster Warren Fox’s long-lost ex and mother of Joel Dexter.
She’s been central to some of the biggest storylines in the show since having to reckon with her villain sons Abe and Arlo.
But now Rita has made the decision to leave the show in an explosive storyline that will see her bow out later this year.
A source said: “Rita has absolutely loved every second of her time at Hollyoaks and it wasn’t an easy decision.
“She moved her entire life to Liverpool two years ago to throw herself into the show and it’s been a great adventure but the pull of home is just too much.
“London has been calling her and it’s proved difficult to balance a job she loves and her life in London.
“Bosses were really understanding and they’ve crafted her an incredible exit storyline so while she’s really sad to leave, she’s excited to play it out.
“And it’s Hollyoaks so no matter what happens the door is always open.”
Rita, who also played the iconic Roxy Mitchell in EastEnders, will film her final scenes this summer for them to play out in the autumn.
The Channel 4 soap will celebrate its 30th anniversary this October with a huge month of celebrations as well as a trademark stunt.
Show boss Hannah Cheers told us: “You can’t do a Hollyoaks commemoration without some kind of spectacle. So there will be a stunt.”
And more than that Hannah also revealed a huge battle between two Hollyoaks titans will take centre stage for October.
Having recently returned from the dead to the village after 12 years, Clare Devine is back and she’s set to clash against serial killer Jez Blake in the run up to the big anniversary.
From Hollyoaks to Hollywood
James Corden played a caretaker in the early days of the soap.
The former American TV host doesn’t have much positive to say about his time on the soap, claiming it was “hell on earth.”
Since his short-lived time on the show he has gone on to bigger things including smash hit comedy Gavin and Stacey.
Rachel Shenton joined the soap as aspiring glamour model Mitzeee Minniver in 2010.
Over two years her character was sent to prison, got pregnant and had a number of romantic affairs.
Since leaving Hollyoaks she has won an Oscar for best live action short film, The Silent Child.
Rachel has also starred in White Gold and All Creatures Great and Small
Emmett J. Scanlan played gangster turned anti-hero Brendan Brady.
Emmett played the love interest of Steve Hayes, with their romance delighting fans until it turned violent.
Since his departure Emmett has appeared in Peaky Blinders, The Fall, Gangs of London and even appeared in Guardians of the Galaxy
Emma Rigby joined Hollyoaks when she was 15 as Hannah Ahsworth.
Hannah’s eating disorder storyline was the first of it’s kind on TV while other plots included being caught in a fire, gangland drug dealing and running away.
Since leaving the soap in 2010 Emma has gone on to star in ABCs Once Upon a Time in Wonderland as the Red Queen. Other roles include guest appearances in Death In Paradise, Ripper Street and Fresh Meat
Nico Mirallegro got his big break with Hollyoaks starring as emo Barry ‘Newt’ Newton.
Nico’s main storyline in the soap was developing schizophrenia which culminated in a suicide pact.
He left the soap in 2010 and went on to star in My Mad Fat Diary, Our Girl, Rillington Place, The Ark and Common, Penance, as well as the Mike Leigh movie Peterloo and was nominated for a Bafta for his role in period drama The Village.
Ricky Whittle used Hollyoaks as a stepping stone to break America.
He played one of the soap’s resident hunks, Calvin Valentine, from 2006 to 2011 – when he was killed off at his wedding.
After leaving the soap Ricky cracked America starring in teen drama The 100 and America Gods.
He also appeared in Strictly Come Dancing in 2009.
Warren Brown joined Hollyoaks in 2005 for a year as evil Andy Holt.
His stint on the show consisted of date rape storylines and a crime spree, before eventually being killed off.
After leaving Hollyoaks, Warren became a big hitter in TV playing DS Justin Ripley in Luther, as well as major roles in a number of dramas including Liar, The Responder, Homefront and Good Cop.
Wallis Day played Holly Cunningham in the soap for years before leaving.
In 2021 Wallis won the role of Batwoman in DC’s series, taking over from Ruby Rose.
“Well, yes, obviously we’ve got two kind of Hollyoaks titans here,” Hannah added.
“We’ve got kind of very iconic Hollyoaks faces. And it’s not an accident that they are both in the show in the run up to the 30th anniversary.”