Human remains were discovered in liquid manure spread across land nearly two months after a farmer in Ireland was reported missing, according to reports.
Michael Gaine, 56, was last seen in Kenmare Town on March 20, according to an April 10 press release from An Garda Síochána (Ireland’s National Police Service). The next day, March 21, he was reported missing from his home near Kenmare in southern County Kerry.
The Irish Times and Raidió Teilifís Eireann (RTÉ) reported that human remains were discovered in liquid manure spread across Gaine’s farm during the ongoing search.
The remains have yet to be identified, but detectives believe Mr. Gaine’s body was “dismembered and dumped in his slurry [manure] tank,” the Irish Times reported. Police have confirmed that the case is being handled as a homicide investigation.
Gardaí resumed search operations in Carrig East, Kenmare, Co. Kerry on Friday evening, May 16th, 2025, and declared a crime scene, according to a press release obtained by PEOPLE.
The press release continued: “On Saturday afternoon, 17th May 2025, State Pathologist, Dr Sally Anne Collis and Forensic Anthropologist Laureen Buckley assisted by the Garda Technical Bureau have carried out preliminary examinations at the scene.”
“An Garda Síochána can confirm that partial human remains have been found,” the detectives said.
“Searches are ongoing to recover any further human remains,” the post added. “DNA analysis will be required to carry out formal identification of the recovered human remains.”
Police declined to comment on ongoing investigations, including the discovery of human remains in liquid manure on Mr. Gaines’ farm. An Garda Síochána does not respond to statements made by third parties.
Police also confirmed in a statement obtained by PEOPLE that a man in his fifties had been arrested and was still being held as of Monday, May 19.
“The homicide investigation, led by a Senior Investigating Officer and the Serious Crime Unit Kerry Garda Division is ongoing, supported by the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (GNBCI),” according to a release.
“On Sunday afternoon, 18th May 2025 a male (aged in his 50s) has been arrested on suspicion of murder,” according to a statement. “The male is being detained under the provisions of Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 at a Garda Station in Kerry Division.”
“An Garda Síochána continue to carry out searches and technical examinations at lands at Carrig East, Kenmare, Co. Kerry,” according to police.
The family of Michael Gaine has been informed of his arrest, and An Garda Síochána is providing support through a Family Liaison Officer. “The family has requested privacy at this time,” the release stated.
According to the Irish Times, the manure tank was “searched and drained in the days” following Gaine’s disappearance. According to the outlet, it is unclear whether the remains had been in the tank since the alleged killing or were placed there later.
According to the publication, police believe Gaine was killed “during a personal dispute by a man known to him.”
Gaine’s wife, Janice Gaine, previously told RTÉ that “this whole thing has been devastating” since her husband’s disappearance, describing him as her “best friend.”
“We want to know what happened to him, because if we can not find Michael, I am not sure what I will do,” she said in a video statement, according to the outlet.
“He loved his home, his farm, and his animals,” she added. “He had many friends. “He was a very popular guy.”
“His disappearance is totally out of character, and we knew that from day one,” Mrs. Gaine said, according to RTÉ.