The investigation into the disappearance of Kenmare man Michael Gaine has been reclassified as a homicide investigation by Gardaí.
Michael Mike Gaine was last seen in Centra in Kenmare on March 20th.
He was reported missing the following day and a missing person investigation was launched.
Gardaí confirmed this evening that the investigation has been reclassified as a homicide investigation, based on the entirety of the information available.
Gardaí have confirmed that a formal criminal investigation has now begun in the homicide investigation of Michael Gaine.
Gardaí have undertaken over 320 formal enquiries, taken almost 130 witness statements, recovered approximately 2,200 hours of CCTV and dash-cam footage and have conducted extensive searches over the past five weeks.
They say despite the extensive enquiries carried out so far, Gardaí have not recovered Michael's remains.
They are continuing to appeal to anyone who has any information that can assist Gardaí in bringing Michael back to his family or anyone with any information about what happened to Michael to contact the Garda Investigation Team.
Gardaí say there is one or more people who know what happened on March 20th.
They say if you have not been in a position to speak to An Garda Síochána about the information you have, or have already spoken to An Garda Síochána but have more information that you can provide - An Garda Síochána is appealing to you to come forward with that information.
They say the information received will be treated in the strictest confidence.
The Garda Investigation Team can be contacted at Killarney Garda Station on 064 667 1160, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or speak with any member of An Garda Síochána at any Garda Station nationwide.
An Garda Síochána say they continue to keep Michael's family fully informed and they have been updated as to the change in status of this investigation. they are also continuing to support Michael's family through a Family Liaison Officer as they come to terms with this update.
Michael Mike Gaine was seen on CCTV on Thursday morning, March 20th 2025
