The death of Nora Sheehan: a 42-year cold case now solved with the help of Dr Jonathan Whitaker of PFS.
The FSS was at the forefront of DNA research when it was closed in 2012. Nevertheless, the benefits of that technology are still being seen in legacy cases such as this case.
In 1981, the naked body of 54-year-old Nora Sheehan was found dumped in Shippool Woods, County Cork, Ireland. Samples taken from her body were analysed by the local experts using the techniques available at the time.
Meanwhile, the Forensic Science Service pioneered a DNA profiling technique, called Low Copy number (LCN), from very small amounts of recovered genetic material. Dr Whitaker is a world-renowned expert in this technique and, whilst working for the FSS, was asked in 2009 to examine samples retained in this case as part of a cold case review. He managed to obtain a reportable profile. In 2022 Dr Whitaker carried out further work on the case and, following a three-week trial, Noel Long was found guilty at The Central Criminal Court in Dublin of her murder.
For more detail go to https://www.rte.ie/news/primetime/2023/0804/1398194-the-death-of-nora-sheehan-a-42-year-cold-case-now-solved/
PFS scientists continue to provide the expertise and support to ensure that important results contribute to the delivery of Justice. This case follows another from Western Australia where LCN DNA results contributed to identifying the Claremont serial killer.