Murder investigation launched into death of Athlone resident whose body was found in south Roscommon

Gardai have launched a murder investigation into the death of an Athlone resident whose body was found in south Roscommon.

It follows the completion of a post-mortem examination. 

Croatian-born Mirjana Pap, who was 58, was reported missing from her home in Athlone last Saturday.

Her body was found on farmland in Curraghaleen in south Roscommon early yesterday.

A garda spokesman said: "A post-mortem examination was carried out earlier today by the Deputy State Pathologist, Dr. Yvonne McCarthy, at Galway University Hospital. Results of the post-mortem are not being released for operational purposes.

"The deceased has now been formally identified as Mirjana Pap and following a post-mortem examination, An Garda Síochána has commenced a murder investigation.

"The investigation is being led from the incident room at Athlone Garda Station by members of the Crime Functional Area in the Meath Westmeath Division under a Senior Investigating Officer (SIO), with assistance from the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (GNBCI).

"Investigating Gardaí continue to appeal for witnesses and those with information to come forward."

Flowers have been left at the scene where the woman's body was found

Gardai have seized two cars and sealed off a house in Athlone, as part of their investigation.

A garda spokesperson said: "Gardaí are particularly interested in the movements of a silver 08G registered Peugeot 207 on Saturday, December 28, between 11am and 12 noon.

"The car is understood to have travelled from Beechville estate, Athlone onto the N6 motorway (west bound) from junction 11 to junction 13 before continuing on the R362 from Monksland to Bealnaulla.

"Motorists who travelled along these routes within this timeframe are asked to provide Gardaí with dash-cam footage.

"Anyone with any information is asked to contact Athlone Garda Station on 090 649 8550, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station."

This neighbour of Pap's has been expressing her thoughts on her death, speaking to our reporter, Eoghan Murphy.

Local councillor John Keogh has also been expressing his condolences.

This is similar to the car gardai are looking for information on

Flowers have been left outside Pap's house in Athlone