Gardai begin major dig in Dublin for missing couple in nine-year murder mystery

Gardai investigating the 2015 disappearance and double murder of a couple have began a new search in north County Dublin. Willie Maughan, 34, and his pregnant partner Ana Varslavane, 21, were last seen in 2015 in Gormanston, Co Meath.

At the time, the couple had been living in a caravan in the area and had planned to return to William’s family home in Tallaght, Dublin.

On the morning of Tuesday, April 14, William went to Balbriggan followed shortly afterwards by Anastasija. They ran some errands and made contact with William’s mother Helen to arrange for her to travel from Tallaght to Gormanston to collect them and their belongings

They were last heard from at around 2.30pm that day, following a taxi ride from Balbriggan to Gormanston. When William's mother arrived at Gormanston shortly before 3pm, she was unable to find her son or his girlfriend. Concern grew when repeated calls to William’s phone went unanswered, and after a search in nearby areas, both were reported missing.

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An extensive investigation followed, including multiple searches, as gardai launched inquiries into the couple's whereabouts. In 2016, following a review of the case, it was upgraded to a murder investigation. Seven people have been previously arrested in connection with their disappearance and murder.

In a significant development, gardai confirmed today that they have commenced a search of open lands in north County Dublin, where teams will conduct excavations, forensic examinations and technical analyses over the next several days.

The search is being carried out by the Garda investigation team supported by the Meath Divisional search team and the Garda Technical Bureau.

Gardai confirmed that the families of William and Anastasija are being fully updated on developments and are once again appealing to the public for information.

With nearly a decade having passed since the couple's disappearance, gardai believe that some people may now be in a position to come forward with details they were previously unable to provide.

A spokesperson said: "Gardaí continue to appeal to anyone with information in relation to the disappearance and murder of William Maughan and Anna Varslavane to speak with investigating Gardai.

"Given the passage of time since their disappearance individuals personal circumstances may now have changed and people may now be in a position to either speak to investigating Gardaí or to provide information now that they may not have been able to provide before.

"An Garda Síochána appeals to anyone with any information, no matter how small or insignificant you might believe it to be, to contact Ashbourne Garda Station on 01 8010600 or any Garda station, or anyone who wishes to provide information confidentially should contact the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111. Any information will be treated with the strictest confidence."

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