Gardaí have launched a criminal investigation following the discovery of the body of 58-year-old Mirjana Pap in a field in County Roscommon on Monday. Ms Pap, originally from Croatia, had been reported missing from her home in Athlone on Saturday morning. Her death is now being treated as suspicious.
Chronology of events
Ms Pap was reported missing in the early hours of Saturday, prompting extensive Garda enquiries with serious concerns for her well-being. Gardaí issued a public appeal for assistance.
On Monday, the search ended when a body was discovered in a field in the townland of Clonark, approximately 11 kilometres from Athlone. Gardaí immediately sealed off the scene, which is close to the border with County Westmeath, and began forensic examinations.
As part of the investigation, Gardaí also cordoned off a property in Athlone and recovered two vehicles, including a silver 2008 Peugeot 207. They have appealed to the public for information about the movements of this car between 11 am and midday on Saturday. It is believed to have travelled from the Beechville Estate area of Athlone onto the N6 westbound, before continuing along the R362 towards Bealnamulla.
Ongoing investigation
The woman’s body has been removed to University Hospital Galway, where a post-mortem examination is being carried out by the Deputy State Pathologist. The results will help determine the circumstances surrounding her death.
An incident room has been set up at Athlone Garda Station, and a senior investigating officer has been appointed to lead the inquiry. DNA and forensic testing are being carried out on the property in Athlone and the two vehicles seized.
Appeal for information
Gardaí are urging anyone who was travelling along the N6 or R362 between 11 am and midday on Saturday, or who may have dash-cam footage, to come forward. Investigators are particularly keen to trace the movements of the silver Peugeot during this timeframe.
Community response
Ms Pap, who had lived in Athlone for several years, was well-known locally and worked in the area. She is understood to have had several grown-up children. Her death has shocked the local community, and flowers have been laid at the scene where her body was found. An online fundraising appeal to support her family with funeral costs has raised over €15,000.
In a statement, Gardaí confirmed that following the discovery of a woman’s body on Monday afternoon in County Roscommon, a missing person appeal in respect of Mirjana Pap was stood down: “We would like to thank the public and media for their assistance in this matter.”
