Kyran Durnin timeline: How the story of suspected child murder has unfolded so far
A timeline on the suspected murder stretches back to May 2022
In September this year, the Irish Mirror was the first to report that gardai were desperately searching for Kyran Durnin amid fears he was dead.
It's emerged that the developing story stretches back to May in 2022 when Kyran was last seen at his Co Louth school.
Fears for the little boy have been growing every week. This week a woman was arrested. That came after gardai carried out digs in Dundalk.
READ MORE: Mother of Kyran Durnin claims she was attacked and beaten up in Ireland
Follow our timeline of the story so far here.
May 2022: Kyran, who was then six, was last seen at his primary school in Dundalk, Co Louth
May 2024: Kyran is listed as a guest at a B&B in the same Co Louth town. He is signed in as a guest for a four week period. The management told the BBC this week they did not recognise Kyran in the photo released by gardai.
August 2024: Tusla hold a meeting which a child purported to be Kyran attends. Gardai now believe that child was a decoy.
Tusla staff become suspicious. They decide to approach gardai with their concerns. They tell members of Kyran’s family that they must declare Kyran missing to the gardai.
August 30th 2024: Kyran and his mother are declared missing at Drogheda Garda Station.
September 4th 2024: Gardai issue their first missing person appeal, for Kyran and his mother, Dayla.
It says: “Gardaí are seeking the public's assistance in tracing the whereabouts of Dayla Durnin (24 Years) and her son Kyran Durnin, (8 Years), who are reported missing from their home in Drogheda, Co. Louth, since Friday 30th August 2024.
“Dayla and Kyran were last seen on Wednesday 28th August 2024 at approximately 11pm. Dayla is described as being 5 feet 5 inches in height, with a slim build, brown eyes and brown hair.
“When last seen, Dayla was believed to be wearing white New Balance runners with navy lettering, and grey camouflage leggings. Kyran is described as being 3 feet 3 inches in height, with a medium build, brown eyes and brown hair. When last seen, Kyran was wearing a navy zip-up windbreaker and black runners.
“Gardaí and Dayla and Kyran’s family are concerned for their wellbeing.”
September 27th 2024: Irish Mirror reveals for the first time that gardai are desperately hunting for a missing boy, amid fears he is dead. We also reveal that gardai believe a decoy was used in the Tusla meeting
Early October 2024: Gardai trace Dayla to southern England. There is no sign of Kyran.
October 16th 2024: Gardai cancel the missing person appeal for Dayla.
Officers say: “An Garda Síochána issued a media appeal for assistance in tracing the whereabouts of Dayla Durnin (24 years) on 4th September 2024. This appeal is now being stood down. An Garda Síochána would like to thank the public and media for their assistance with this matter.”
On the same day, they upgrade Kyran’s missing person case to a murder. The force says: “Despite extensive enquiries carried out by Gardaí to date, An Garda Síochána have been unable to either locate Kyran, identify any information on his current whereabouts or any evidence that he is currently alive.
“Following enquiries to date, investigating Gardaí now believe that Kyran is missing presumed dead. A murder investigation has been commenced. The investigation is being led by a Senior Investigation Officer (SIO) based out of an incident room established at Drogheda Garda Station.
“Gardaí are appealing to anyone who has any information in connection with the disappearance of Kyran to contact Drogheda Garda Station on 041 987 4200 , the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.
“Any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, will be welcomed by the investigation team. This information will be treated in the strictest confidence.”
October 21st 2024: Gardaí take possession of a house on Emer Terrace in Dundalk. Kyran’s family lived there for several years. The current residents have no connection to the investigation.
On the same day, Children’s Minister Roderic O’Gorman asks Tusla to send its files on the case to a panel that examines the deaths of children linked to State care.
October 22nd 2024: Gardai begin digging at the house and in land nearby. Nothing is found. Dayla’s mother is spoken to by British police.
November 2nd 2024: Minister O’Gorman receives the report from Tusla. He says he will act on any recommendations, but will not publish the report.
November 8th 2024: It emerges that Dayla told gardai and English police that she does not know what happened to her son.
December 10th 2024: Gardai arrest a woman on suspicion of Kyran’s murder.
December 11th 2024: The woman is released without charge
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