Gardai have issued a new appeal for information about the disappearance of a Tullamore woman, Ms Fiona Pender. New posters have been put up in the Offaly town in efforts to provide a breakthrough in the 23-month investigation. Next month will be the second anniversary of her disappearance.
Ms Pender (25) was seven months pregnant, with her baby due on October 22nd, 1996, when she disappeared from the Tullamore flat she shared with her boyfriend, Mr John Thompson. He was arrested and questioned about the murder in April last year, along with his father and three sisters. After they were released without charge, he gave a number of media interviews criticising the Garda handling of the case.
Ms Pender's mother last saw her on the night of Thursday, August 22nd, when she left her at the flat in Church Street after the two had been shopping. They had arranged to meet the next day, but when Mrs Pender called there was no response.
Ms Pender, a hairdresser and part-time model, was 5 ft 5 in, with long blond hair. She was wearing a pink and black raincoat with a hood, a navy T-shirt, white leggings and blue and white runners. A small brown shoulder bag was missing from her belongings. Gardai can be contacted at Tullamore station, (0506) 21305, or the Garda confidential line, 1-800 666 111.
