Serial killer John Shaw may be prosecuted over murder of Elizabeth Plunkett after new case
Serial killer John Shaw could soon be prosecuted over the murder of Elizabeth Plunkett after a new case development.It is understood the family of Ms Plunkett and their solicitor James MacGuill, met with a high-ranking Garda officer recently and are confident the case will be reopened. The movement is believed to have come after Mr MacGuill wrote a letter on behalf of the family to the Department of Public Prosecution, the Garda Commissioner and the Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan, to meet with them to discuss the case.It is believed a DNA sample which was taken from Ms Plunkett's body hold the key to the 79-year-old rapist and murderer, who is Ireland's longest serving prisoners, finally being convicted of her brutal killing in 1976. English career criminal Shaw and his accomplice Geoffrey Evans, met in an English prison where they hatched their chilling plot to abduct, torture, rape and murder women.The pair travelled around Ireland during the summer of 1976 resolving to kill one woman a week. However, their twisted killing spree ended with the murder of young clerk Elizabeth Plunkett, 23, in Co Wicklow and 24-year-old cook Mary Duffy, in Co Mayo.They were caged for life in February 1978 but despite Shaw confessing to the killing of Ms Plunkett with Evans, the pair were never convicted of the Dubliner's murder. It emerged during an inquest hearing into her death in January 2025 that Shaw was never prosecuted for her murder while now deceased Evans was only convicted of her rape and false imprisonment.Ms Plunkett's family have been tirelessly fighting ever since to have Shaw prosecuted for her murder. A source said Shaw may soon be prosecuted for Ms Plunkett's murder: "There was a meeting not too long ago between the gardai and Ms Plunkett's family and solicitor."They are hopeful that Shaw may soon be prosecuted for her murder through DNA evidence which was gathered at the time. Ms Plunkett and her family might finally get the justice they rightfully deserve. Officers will no doubt try and interview Shaw but it may not be necessary for him to comply as the DNA evidence is most likely strong enough."It is understood Shaw, who suffers from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is showing signs of dementia. The murderer, who is housed at Dublin's Arbour Hill Prison, has reportedly been forgetting to eat and is walking aimlessly around the jail not knowing where he is going.A source said over the last two months Shaw has been showing progressive signs of dementia. The source said: "He is literally forgetting to eat and at one stage apparently told someone that he wasn't sure where he was. He is also walking, very slowly due to COPD, around the prison and when asked where he is off to he doesn't know."It has long been thought that detectives would quiz Shaw again in a bid to get a fresh prosecution for Ms Plunkett's murder after it emerged nobody was. While he appears to have momentary lapses in his memory, if the guards want to interview him again they would want to act very fast as time is running out."Mr MacGuill, who is working on behalf of the Plunketts, declined to comment on the case when contacted. An Garda Siochana said in a statement: "A Garda investigation was conducted into the death of Elizabeth Plunkett which ultimately led to the preferring of a number of charges against John Shaw in respect of the murder, rape and false imprisonment of Elizabeth Plunkett."An Garda Síochána does not comment on statements made by the Director of Public Prosecutions. Any person who believes they have new information into the death of Elizabeth Plunkett should make that information known/ available to An Garda Síochána in Wexford/ Wicklow Garda Division."Any new information which is brought to the attention of An Garda Síochána will be assessed. The thoughts of all in An Garda Síochána are with the family of Elizabeth Plunkett."Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content.We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.
