Appeal made over murder of teenager Marian Beattie in 1973 - police want to speak to those who attended dance
The PSNI want to speak to people who attended a dance 53 years ago about a murder.
Detectives from the PSNI’s Legacy Investigation Branch are looking into the death of 18-year-old Marian Beattie from Portadown, whose body was found at the bottom of a quarry near Aughnacloy, south Tyrone, exactly 53 years ago today.
She had been attending a charity dance at Hadden’s Garage in Aughnacloy on Friday, March 30, to listen to her brother’s band.
The PSNI said Marian was last seen leaving the dance with a young man just after 1am and walking in the direction of Hadden’s Quarry, where her body was discovered shortly after 6am the following morning, approximately 80-100ft below the car park.
Detective Inspector Ailish McCrissican said in a statement: “We believe Marian left the dance at Hadden’s Garage with a man, walking in the direction of the nearby car park at the top of Hadden’s Quarry about 400 yards away from the garage.
"We do not know what happened next but Marian’s body was found at the bottom of the quarry below the car park.
“I appreciate this murder took place over 50 years ago but we would like to talk to anyone who was at the dance at Hadden’s Garage on the night of Friday, March 30, 1973.
"Marian went there with a girlfriend to listen to her brother’s band.
"Did you see who she was dancing with or speaking with?
"Did you see her leave the dance with a man?
"Do you know who he was?
"Did you see her in the car park at the quarry any time after 1.15am on the Saturday morning?
“Additionally, do you remember anyone who was at the dance returning home distressed or with dirt on their clothes?
"Has anyone ever talked about the events of that night?
“Marian’s family deserve to know what happened to her that night.
"I am appealing to anyone who may be able to help us progress the investigation and bring some closure to the Beattie family to come forward and speak to Detectives in Legacy Investigation Branch.
"Detectives can be contacted by calling 101.
"Alternatively a report can be made online at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport and also via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.”
The PSNI had issued a very similar appeal one year ago.