Questions
The Farrell family have serious concerns about the initial investigation based on the evidence and the supicious circumstances of Liam’s death .
Some of the major unanswered questions are laid out below:-
Crime Scene Photo as shown to the jury in the inquest
(Comments and images of body outline & shoes / hat in picture were added for this website for presentation purposes)
What is the explanation for the multiple injuries to Liam's body? Can a reasonable person assume that the injuries are solely related to a heart attack?
Why were there injuries to the back of Liam's heels, consistent with the dragging of the body, as opined by Professor Jack Crane at the inquest?
Why did the Gardaí not ensure that the State forensic pathologist was brought in to perform the post-mortem, and why was the hospital pathologist, Dr Paul Hartel, not informed that the body had been taken from a designated crime scene?
How were Liam's shoes and socks removed and neatly placed beside his feet? Furthermore, his overcoat and blazer were removed and placed under his arms and shoulders. Why was his tie — which was bloodsoaked — still formed in a loop and found beside his body?
Why was there blood inside a mop bucket found at the scene beside the body? Was this Liam's blood, and if not, whose blood was it? Why was no forensic analysis or testing carried out on the bucket?
A bloodied towel was also found beside the bucket. Was this used in an attempt to clean up the scene?
As the first paramedic on the scene attested at the inquest, a hat was lying on the ground beside the body of the deceased (see superimposed image of the hat above) at approximately 4.00 pm when he arrived. However, the hat is nowhere to be seen in the crime scene photograph taken at approximately 8.30 pm on the same day, nor was it taken into the custody of the Gardaí as evidence. As no member of the Farrell family wore hats, whose hat was this? Where is it now? Who removed it from what was at that time an active crime scene?
Why was no comprehensive forensic analysis of the scene carried out by the Gardaí?
Why did the Gardaí make no public appeal in connection with the investigation, either immediately following Liam's death or at any point up to when the Serious Crimes Review Team (SCRT) were appointed in October 2025, almost 6 years later? (Note: SCRT issued first public appeal in March 2026)
Why were various persons of interest named in statements not interviewed by the Gardaí?
Why were the following investigators — all of whom had subsequently retired and all of whom played key roles in the initial investigation — not compelled to attend the inquest, provide live testimony, and be made available for cross-examination?
Garda Superintendent Kevin English
Garda Forensic Analyst Leo Sheridan
Coroner Éamon McGowan
WHAT DID HAPPEN TO LIAM FARRELL IN THE EARLY HOURS OF 12TH JANUARY 2020?