26th June 2025 – For Immediate Release
The Police Ombudsman has today recommended an independent review into the murder of Marian Beattie who was murdered in 1973. Marian was 18 years of age when she was killed after a night out at a dance.
Darragh Mackin, Solicitor for Marian’s family said:
The facts of this investigation speak for themselves. In fifty years the police contacted this family a mere 8 times. Such blatant disregard for the family of Marian is indicative of the inherent unenthusiastic approach adopted.
The suspects in Marian’s murder were hiding in plain sight.
Today’s revelations confirm that 3 suspects had paramilitary links and 2 were former police officers. The family have always believed that such connections have played a direct role in the obfuscation and procrasintation adopted, in failing to investigate Marian’s murder.
Marian’s report confirms that women in this jurisdiction have not been safe for five decades. Today’s report should serve as a lightening strike reminder of the need for urgent and immediate action to ensure no other women are systematically failed by the very state that should protect them.
Gender based violence had no place in society in 1973 and it has no place in 2025. In Marian’s memory, it is time for action.
The family now look forward to engaging with the Chief Constable in the weeks ahead.
The Police Ombudsman’s summary into the Marian Beattie murder can be accessed here.
ENDS
NOTES:
- For all enquries, please contact our Mr Darragh Mackin on darragh@phoenix-law.org or +447704034143.
