Brother of pregnant murder victim, who vanished 24 years ago, pleads for her remains so family can bury her

A brother of a feared murder victim, who was pregnant when she vanished 24 years ago, is not looking for justice – he just wants to find her remains.

Sandra Collins was aged 29 when she disappeared on December 4, 2000, in Killala, Co Mayo. Gardai issued a fresh information request today on the anniversary of her disappearance, while Sandra’s brother Patrick also issued an emotional appeal. To coincide with the guards’ appeal, Patrick said he is not looking to have "anyone brought to justice" and "we are not out to get anyone" but the family wants to find Sandra’s remains so they can "bury her" and get on with life.

He said: "This is not about seeing anyone brought to justice, we are not out to get anyone. All we want to do is find Sandra and bury her. If we just found her, I can’t even begin to imagine how we would feel. It would be the greatest gift we could get. We will never forget Sandra. But if we found her, it would allow us to at least get on with our lives."

READ MORE:Family of murdered pregnant woman Sandra Collins demand inquest into horror death

READ MORE:Emotional sister of Sandra Collins appeals to those close to her killer to come forward

He added: "We appeal to those who know, or think they may have an idea where she was buried, we beg you please come forward. Let us bury her with her family. Not alone and cold in some damp, unmarked grave."

Patrick, who was 13 when his sister vanished without a trace, has a campaign on Facebook to help to find her. Sandra, who was the eldest of six children, vanished six months after her brother James died tragically in a factory accident. Today, gardai asked people to contact them and confirmed that they are liaising closely with Sandra’s family.

Detective Inspector John Costello said: "Perhaps you have information you thought was insignificant at the time, or it could be that after 24 years have passed, your circumstances have now changed. Relationships change, loyalties change, and people may not now be constrained by the set of circumstances that existed for them some 24 years ago. With that passage of time, people may feel more comfortable sharing information with us."

The last confirmed sighting of Sandra was on the night of Monday, December 4, 2000 at approximately 11pm
(Image: An Garda Siochana)

Sandra was originally from the Mayo town of Crossmolina but was living 16km away in Killala to care for an aunt. She went alone to a takeaway at around 11pm and was last seen at the Country Kitchen chip shop on the village’s George’s Street. Her coat was found at Killala pier a few days later and she has been missing ever since.

Her missing person case was upgraded to murder in 2010. A man was arrested and tried in court in 2014 for her murder and found not guilty. A doctor confirmed to the Central Criminal Court in Castlebar that Sandra was pregnant at the time of her disappearance.

Sandra, who previously gave birth in 1998 to a daughter who was later given up for adoption, would be 53 years old this year. Her younger brother Patrick said: "Secrets don’t stay hidden forever and the truth comes out eventually."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Ballina Garda Station on 096-20560, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.

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