Family of missing Imelda Keenan brand 'age processed' photo of her 'a waste of time'
Gardai issued a computer generated photo of what Imelda might look like today at 53 years of age - but relatives believe she was murdered
A sister and niece of missing woman Imelda Keenan say a new Garda photo of what she would look like today is a “waste of time.”
Yesterday marked the 31st anniversary of Imelda’s disappearance from Lombard Street in Waterford city - and her family marked the occasion at a plaque in her honour.
As part of a new appeal Gardai issued a computer generated photo of what Imelda might look like today at 53 years of age. However, speaking to the Irish Mirror, Imelda’s sister Mary and her niece Gina, who believe she was murdered, said they believe the newly issued photo is misleading people into believing she is still alive.
READ MORE: Gardai launch fresh appeal on 31th anniversary of Laois woman’s disappearance
READ MORE: Heartbroken brother of missing Irishwoman believes 'two or three people' have vital information
“That was definitely a waste of time. As far as my family knows, the day she went missing is the day Imelda died. That’s the way I look at it,” Mary told us. “We weren’t really happy with it to be honest when we heard gardai were going to do that,” Gina added.
“Even though she is more than likely not with us anymore they don't have a body so they have to put out that this could be what she's like. But we don’t look at that picture and see Imelda. Imelda is forever young in our lives. I think it's going to steer people away from what we actually know. The family knows Imelda is no longer alive.”
Imelda’s family are fighting for gardai to upgrade the investigation to one of murder - and believe the young woman may have in fact been killed prior to January 3. “We’ve no proof that she’s out there. Nothing has stirred since the day Imelda went missing,” Mary told us.
Asked if her sister would ever have considered running away and not telling anyone she said: “God almighty no. That would never be true. She was the quietest one of us all. She had only a couple of friends you could count on one hand. The day she went missing is the day I always believed she died. She definitely went missing before Christmas. There was no sign of her from the 28th when my brother Ned seen her.
Appealing to the man she believes is responsible for Imelda’s disappearance Mary said: “I beg him to come forward. But I can’t see that happening either.”
Gina added: “I just wish the guards would listen to us. Imelda would not run away. She would not do anything like that. We’re telling them that we know Imelda and it's not her character, it never was. This is just so out of character. I just don’t know why they are so focused on that statement on the 3rd of January.
In a fresh appeal for information this week Superintendent Gavin Hegarty said that Imelda was seen leaving her apartment on January 3 to go to the GPOn on the Quays in Waterford - and added that there was a sighting of her on the mall in Waterford around that time.
Speaking as the family gathered today to mark 31 years since her disappearance, Gina, who has fought a tireless campaign for information, spoke of her hopes that the investigation is upgraded. “We’re fighting for it to be upgraded to a murder inquiry. We believe Imelda was gone before the 3rd of January. It was a Bank Holiday, and unopened presents were left behind.
“I feel if the gardai had done their job at the time they would have the evidence they needed but we are at a loss now and depend on the public to help get this over the line because vital evidence was lost in the beginning.”
Appealing for information she added: “I’d just like to appeal for anybody with even the smallest bit of information to come forward, it could be massive to us. If they even knew Imelda, this is their chance to please come forward- now that we have a peer review going on, every bit of information would be great for us.”
Speaking this week Superintendent Gavin Hegarty said - "Imelda, 22 years old and originally from Mountmellick in County Laois, was a resident of Waterford City while pursuing her studies when she disappeared without a trace. Imelda was known for her quiet demeanor, her love of music and her strong family ties. Despite extensive investigations spanning 31 years, the silence surrounding her fate remains unbroken. We continue to urge anyone with information or the ability to assist our investigation to come forward."
Anyone with information is asked to contact Gardaí at Waterford Garda Station on (051) 305 300, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
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