Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
Updated 9.24pm
NO CAUSE OF death has been established following post mortem examinations of a couple found at an isolated farmhouse in Limerick.
It is believed the man and woman had been there for “a number of weeks”.
Gardaí say that following the inconclusive examinations this evening, further testing is needed and could take some time.
The bodies were found at house in Askeaton in the early hours of this morning after gardaí had been tipped off about a possible robbery at the house.
The pair have been named as Julia Holmes, 63 and her partner Thomas Ruttle,who was in his 50s.
Holmes had been wanted by the PSNI, having been charged with fraud in 2011. Today, the PSNI said that they were “still seeking the public’s help” in finding her.
Neither Holmes nor Ruttle had been seen for two months and it is understood that the bodies were badly decomposed.
The scene at Boolaglass, near the town of Askeaton remains sealed off for a technical examination.
Gardaí are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to contact them at Newcastle West Garda Station on 069 20650, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666111, or any Garda Station.
Originally published 8.10am. Additional reporting by Nicky Ryan.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
Thoughts are with the family
As a relative stranger to this forum, I can’t think why anyone would red thumb this message.
Some of the red thumbs given on this site that would make you wonder about the intelligence of the readers:
Even a post like this “The earth orbits the sun.” would get red thumbs!.
Cue lots of red thumbs for this post.
Red thumbs often from the smartphone users scrolling down the page hitting them by accident.
Jim Mac
Welcome , Some Journal readers will open your eyes with the red thumbs they give . The Journal should Id the reds this might put a stop to it.
Alan, I agree with you the identity of thumbers (Red or Green) should be visible.
I suspect there is a very fair and logical reason for red thumbs.
I should have added .. in this instance. All is not black and white.
You ever think people red tumb because other people go on about it like I actually matters…like some weird popularity contest I wound red tumb who complained about getting red tumbed just makes you look stupid and desperate to be liked
One possible reason for red thumbs is that messages saying “thoughts are with the family” or “RIP” on a site such as this one are completely pointless.
If someone REALLY wants to commiserate with those bereaved by any death, then they should attend the funeral or send a sympathy/mass card or sign an actual book of condolences. Even a virtual book of condolences such as the deceased Facebook page would be better.
However, posting it here serves absolutely no purpose other than as a salve for the poster’s own conscience and ego.
I don’t know if this is the ACTUAL reason for the red thumbs – just my suggestion as to a possible reason.
Prionsius, u get a red thumb from me. We all know the earth if flat.
I bet the 4 people (so far) who red-thumbed my comment are the same people who had earlier posted ‘RIP’ or similar.
Totally agree Ross. Utterly pointless posting such empty words.
The reason maybe she was a scam artist with 22 fraud convictions and is wanted by the PSNI and the FBI. The amount of life’s she ruined is shocking.
No one knows even if it’s her real name, as they suspect she has dozen and dozens of cover stories and aliases.
She was painted over a Irish dozen papers in the past few months.I couldn’t say it earlier as it would be taken down but it was known in the area.
Good one Ross…you’ve said what many people think on such comments such as “rip” etc and I for one ALWAYS redthumb such inane and pointless commiserations.
I know of a small company in NI that she scammed (quite a substantial sum) . She could have taken them for a lot more but thankfully they wised up to what she was at and reported her. She skipped across the border before the police could catch up with her.
Just emailed this article to the guy she scammed….he replied saying “karma’s a bitch, now I’m off to buy a nice bottle of vino!”
…and what thoughts would those be Yorkie?
I heard a rumour that allegedly she may have been suspected in connection with the death of her former husband and that she fled the United States leaving her children behind. I stress that this is a rumour I heard on the grape vine.
Readers of The Phoenix magazine will be well acquainted with the woman reportedly found at the house.
Best mag ever.
Rip
Your spelling is quite cinister
This story smells a bit funny. Something stinks.
Hope there is nothing cinister about it. RIP.
Awful news. RIP.
Brian, only one of the couple was in trouble, the male was a quiet man who never harmed anyone. He was unfortunate to become involved with a con woman and looks like he’s paid the ultimate price
The women is in her 60′s and the man in his 50′s .
I think that if they are who they are suspected to be then society is a better and safer place today.
may they rest in peace
I know how people live in small houses in the country. I would immediately check if the gas stove knobs were all shut and the inevitable superser gas heater. Both stove and heater will be gas cylinders. If one of the appliances is still switched on the cylinder will be empty. Probable cause, gas appliance blew out and gas continued to flow. Other possibilitie is methane gas blow back from septic tank in the case of faulty pressure valves or something as simple as leaves or debris blocking the pressure valves causing blowback
Fu@k, you have it all sewn up there don’t you? If you’re right we better warn all these country folk living in small houses, to check their death trap of a home. Meanwhile all the mansion dwellers in the big smoke can relax knowing their house isn’t trying to kill them ;-)
What a stupid comment. I happen to be lucky enough to live in a small house in the country and can assure you that I’m quite capable of using gas appliances but guess what we have electricity out in sticks now, imagine that. Now all I have to do is pluck up the courage to use it!! And as the house at the centre of the story is two miles from me I can tell you first hand it is not a small country house, it’s a fine looking farmhouse.
have your say