Renewed Search Efforts in County Wicklow
Gardaí, the Irish police force, have initiated a fresh search operation in County Wicklow as part of ongoing investigations into the separate disappearances and murders of two women from the 1990s.
Background on the Cases
Jo Jo Dullard, aged 21, went missing on 9 November 1995 after socialising in Dublin. She was last seen in Moone, County Kildare. Her case was reclassified from a missing persons inquiry to a murder investigation in 2020.
Deirdre Jacob disappeared on 28 July 1998 at the age of 18. Her case was similarly upgraded to a murder inquiry in 2018.
Details of the Current Search
The current search is focused on open ground near the border between Wicklow and Kildare in the Republic of Ireland. Deirdre Jacob was last observed crossing the road toward the entrance of her home in Roseberry, Newbridge, County Kildare.
The search operation began on 15 June and includes excavation and forensic examination of the area. Gardaí have completed a technical ground survey with assistance from the Defence Forces.
Leadership and Coordination
The operation is being led by the Serious Crime Review Team and the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, working in conjunction with local police forces.
Communication with Families
A Garda spokesperson stated:
"An Garda Síochána has been and continues to keep the families of Jo Jo Dullard and Deirdre Jacob updated in relation to these investigations and they have been fully appraised of these developments."
