Gardaí Renew Investigation Appeal on 31st Anniversary of Jo Jo Dullard Disappearance
Authorities seek new information as the 1995 cold case murder investigation remains ongoing today.
1The Final Known Movements
On November 9, 1995, 21-year-old Jo Jo Dullard vanished after socializing at Bruxelles Bar in Dublin. Missing her bus to Kilkenny, she traveled to Naas and began hitchhiking toward Callan. At 11:37 p.m., she called a friend from a phone box in Moone, confirming a car had stopped for her.
2Investigation Status and Upgrades
For decades, the case remained a missing person inquiry until November 2020. On the 25th anniversary of her disappearance, An Garda Síochána officially upgraded the file to a murder investigation. Despite extensive efforts, no individual has been brought to justice for the crime, leaving the case unresolved after thirty-one years.
3Specific Evidence and Appeals
Gardaí are specifically seeking information regarding a Sanyo Stereo cassette player, model MGP21, which Dullard carried that night. Investigators ask if anyone saw this device after November 1995 or received it from an unknown source. They also urge anyone who hitchhiked or gave lifts in the Moone area to contact authorities.
4Recent Operational Search Efforts
The investigation remains active, involving physical searches and forensic reviews. In June 2024, the Garda Serious Crime Review Team conducted a dig at a quarry on the Wicklow-Kildare border. This operation sought evidence related to both Dullard and Deirdre Jacob, though these efforts have not yet yielded definitive answers regarding her location.
5Allegations and Investigative Leads
Past investigative leads included allegations involving convicted rapist Larry Murphy, specifically regarding claims he may have buried one of the missing women in a car. While these theories have directed police attention toward specific sites, no physical evidence confirming these claims has been recovered during the recent site excavations.
6Family and Public Commemoration
On the 31st anniversary, family members and locals gathered at Kilkenny Castle for a memorial service. Dullard’s sister, Kathleen Bergin, and other relatives continue to express their enduring grief. The family maintains a public commitment to keeping the hope alive that they will eventually discover what happened to their loved one.
7Reporting Channels for Information
An Garda Síochána emphasizes that even seemingly insignificant details could prove vital to the cold case. Witnesses or those with information are encouraged to contact Naas Garda Station at 045 884 300. Alternatively, those preferring anonymity can reach out via the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111 for secure reporting.
8Context of Rural Safety
Dullard’s disappearance highlights the historical risks associated with hitchhiking in rural Ireland during the 1990s. The case remains a significant point of reference for Gardaí regarding unsolved violent crimes against women. Ongoing appeals serve to refresh public memory, hoping that someone with long-held information will finally come forward to assist.