Murder of Sandra Collins, Killala, Mayo, 4/12/00

The Gardaí at Ballina are investigating the murder of twenty eight year old Sandra Collins who went missing on Monday the 4 December 2000 from the small village of Killala, Co. Mayo.  She had lived in the village with her Aunt who she looked after for a number of years. Sandra left her Aunt's house at Courthouse Street, Killala on the Monday evening at 7.30 pm. 

At 7.45pm she arrived at a local shop where she bought some groceries for her Aunt and a neighbour. She was last seen at the local takeaway at around 11:15pm that night. Four days later on the 8th December 2000 her fleece was found on the pier in Killala. A half-pound of sausages that Sandra bought in the shop earlier where still in the pocket of the fleece.

Sandra’s brother Patrick made an appeal earlier in the year for information to help the family find Sandra’s remains, and allow them to bury their sister. 

Chief Superintendent Tony Healy was also in studio to explain the impact of such a case on a small community like Kilalla. He made the following appeal: 

• We would like to thank the public for their assistance to date. However despite an extensive investigation both Sandra’s family and An Garda Síochána are still hoping that you can you provide the investigation with any information that may assist the team?
• Do you have information on the whereabouts of Sandra’s remains? Can you take us from that last sighting of Sandra at the local chipper in Kilala to where her remains are now?
• The investigation continues as it has done for the last 20 years. An Garda Síochána is committed to seeking justice for Sandra and the Collins family. We may or may not have spoken to you previously, either way it’s never too late to assist the investigation. Perhaps you have information you thought was insignificant at the time, or it could be that after 20 years your circumstances have changed. We would like to assure you that you will be treated in a respectful, compassionate and sensitive manner.
• There is a Crime stoppers reward for significant information (1800 250 025).
• Sandra’s family have been grieving her loss for 20 years now. It is possible that information you have may help progress this investigation and help give the Collins’ family some closure as they approach another Christmas without her. It’s never too late to do the right thing and give Sandra’s family what they deserve. 

Gardaí Ballina Garda Station, tel: (090) 663 8300