THE family of missing Mayo woman Sandra Collins have made a direct appeal to the people shielding her killer.
In a special appeal on RTE’s Crimecall tonight, Sandra’s brother Patrick will plead with those who know what happened to the 29-year-old to come forward.
Sandra Collins was pregnant when she went missing in 2000[/caption]
Patrick Collins has never given up hope on finding his sister Sandra[/caption]
Investigators believe Sandra was murdered in Killala, Co Mayo, and buried in a shallow grave on December 4, 2000, after telling the chief suspect she was pregnant.
She is just one of a number of missing women whose remains were never found after they were murdered.
During tonight’s television appeal, a reconstruction of the night she was last seen alive will also be broadcast.
The latest appeal comes after the family met with the Gardai last week to discuss the ongoing investigation.
Patrick said: “I’m sure other people know what happened to my sister and I’m asking them directly to please help us.
“I want to ask them, is the secret they have kept all these years worth it?
“Is the person they are protecting also worth it?
“My sister is God knows where and our family is still suffering and we just want this nightmare to end.
“I hope this appeal can make those who have information change their minds and finally help us bring Sandra home.”
Patrick added: “Sandra was a naive, vulnerable woman who doesn’t deserve to be brought home to her family.
“The Gardai remain very passionate about finding Sandra and we have to keep fighting for her.
“It is never too late for people to come forward.”
This fresh appeal comes just weeks after we revealed how an inquest into the Mayo woman’s murder was being considered.
Last month, the Irish Sun exclusively revealed Gardai have held discussions with coroner Dr Eleanor Fitzgerald about a possible hearing.
INQUEST POSSIBILITY
And the inquest could see the chief suspect in the missing woman’s murder being called to give evidence.
The main person of interest in the mother-of-one’s disappearance has returned to Ireland after spending time overseas.
An inquest into the young mother’s murder can now be called after a ‘death certificate’ was issued to her family.
It was issued after Gardai launched a murder inquiry in 2010 after failing to establish ‘proof of life’ since her disappearance on December 4, 2000.
SUSPECT QUESTIONS
If the main person of interest is called, they could face questions from the Collins family’s solicitor.
A senior officer from the Garda probe team could be called to give evidence.
Summonses would also be issued to people who have been interviewed in connection with the 25-year-old mystery.
A decision on whether or not the inquest will be held is expected to be made early this year.
