In a heartbreaking turn of events, police now believe that eight-year-old Kyran Durnin, who disappeared two years ago, is presumed dead. Ireland’s Prime Minister has raised serious questions about how a child could vanish unnoticed in what he described as an “utterly horrifying” case.
Authorities have initiated a murder investigation despite the absence of a body, following the report of Kyran’s disappearance alongside his mother on August 30. Detectives indicated that witnesses last saw the two days earlier. While the boy’s mother has since been located, there has been no trace of Kyran, leading police to conclude that he is likely deceased.
“Despite extensive inquiries, the Garda Síochána has been unable to locate Kyran or provide any evidence that he is alive. We now believe that Kyran is missing and presumed dead,” police officials stated, urging anyone with information related to the case to come forward.
Investigators believe Kyran may have vanished up to two years ago, noting that he attended a local school until the end of the 2021/2022 academic year. Following a court order, police began a forensic search of the home and surrounding area in Dundalk, where Kyran lived.
The case has sent shockwaves across Ireland, with Taoiseach Simon Harris expressing his deep concerns. “It is deeply disturbing and upsetting to think that a child could disappear and go unnoticed. This is utterly heartbreaking, and it’s clear that something went extraordinarily wrong. This child was failed, and failed badly,” he remarked. “How could an eight-year-old little boy effectively vanish without anyone noticing?”
Police emphasized that the current residents of the Dundalk home, which was Kyran’s family residence until May, have no connection to his disappearance. The forensic search aims to uncover any evidence that might shed light on the situation.
Speaking from outside Dundalk Garda station, Chief Superintendent Alan McGovern mentioned that police are closely coordinating with various state agencies, including the child protection agency, Tusla. A spokesperson for Tusla acknowledged that, although Kyran was not in their care, they had engaged with his family and raised concerns as of August 2024. “Since then, we’ve worked closely with the Gardai and shared all relevant information,” the statement read.
Justice Minister Helen McEntee described the situation as “devastating,” adding that while it seems Kyran is likely dead, there is a pressing need to uncover the truth. “We must examine any possible failures that occurred and identify who is responsible for them. If there were shortcomings, they must be addressed and accountability enforced,” she asserted.
