Gardaí have commenced a new search and excavation at a disused quarry in Castleruddery Upper, Co Wicklow, as part of the ongoing investigations into the murders of Jo Jo Dullard and Deirdre Jacob. The operation, led by the Serious Crime Review Team, follows a technical ground survey conducted last week with the assistance of the Defence Forces. Authorities are currently utilizing heavy machinery, including three large diggers and a bulldozer, to examine the site.
The current operation at the Castleruddery Upper quarry is not the first of its kind; a major excavation occurred at this same location in February, following reports of a potential suspicious burial involving a vehicle in the late 1990s.
Context of the Cold Case Investigations
The search centers on two high-profile disappearances that occurred in the 1990s. Jo Jo Dullard, 21, went missing on November 9, 1995, while attempting to hitchhike home to Callan, Co Kilkenny, after visiting Bruxelles bar on Dublin’s Harry Street. Deirdre Jacob, 18, was last seen near her home in Roseberry, Newbridge, Co Kildare, on July 28, 1998, shortly after completing her first year of university in London.
The decision to return to a previously excavated site suggests that the Serious Crime Review Team is operating on intelligence that requires more intensive physical scrutiny. In long-term missing persons cases, the shift from aerial or technical surveys to heavy-duty excavation often indicates a transition from investigative theory to a focused, forensic search for physical evidence.
What May Happen Next
As the excavation proceeds, the site will remain subject to forensic examinations over the coming days. If the team uncovers items of interest, investigators may be required to extend the perimeter of the search or preserve the area for extended forensic analysis. According to Garda Headquarters, the organization continues to keep the families of both women updated as the operation moves forward. Officials have also issued a renewed public appeal, urging anyone with information—regardless of how insignificant it may seem—to contact the Kildare Garda station.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is leading the search operation?
The operation is being led by the Serious Crime Review Team.
Why is the search taking place at this specific location?
Gardaí are acting on information deemed credible regarding a suspicious burial at the site, potentially involving human remains in a vehicle, dating back to the late 1990s.
How can the public assist in these investigations?
Garda Headquarters has requested that anyone with information, no matter how small or insignificant they believe it to be, should contact the Kildare Garda station.
Given the duration of these investigations, how significant is the role of public information in resolving cold cases from the 1990s?
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