What happened to Arlene Arkinson? Gardai search for remains 30 years on

Arlene Arkinson, a 15-year-old from Castlederg, Co Tyrone, disappeared on August 13th, 1994 after a night out at a disco in Bundoran. 

A 14-year inquest into her death concluded in July 2021, with Coroner Brian Sherrard stating that, on the balance of probabilities, Robert Howard was responsible for Arlene's death. 

Sherrard noted that Howard was the last person seen with her in the early hours of 14 August 1994. 

Although Howard was charged with her murder in 2002, he was acquitted in 2005.

Arlene's case has continued to draw attention, with a recent vigil held in Castlederg marking the 30th anniversary of her disappearance. 

At the vigil, her sisters, Kathleen and Paula Arkinson, renewed their calls for a public inquiry into how the case was handled. 

Fr Paul Fraser, who led the memorial, emphasised that Arlene’s memory "lives on in all of those who knew and loved her," and stressed that "the search for truth and justice" must go on.

What Gardai Are Doing Now

On Wednesday morning, gardaí resumed their search for the remains of Arlene Arkinson in Ballybobaneen Forest, located in the Glenfin area of Co Donegal, about 12km northwest of Ballybofey. 

The search, which began yesterday, is the second operation this year to locate her remains in Co Donegal; an earlier search took place in the Castlefin area.

For operational reasons, the Arkinson family and their legal representative have agreed not to comment on the specifics of the ongoing searches. 

READ MORE:

• Raonaid Murray: What we know about the harrowing case as Gardai launch fresh appeal