Fresh appeal over murder of teenage woman 53 years ago

By Rebecca Black, Press Association

A fresh appeal for information has been made over the murder of a teenage girl in Co Tyrone 53 years ago.

Marian Beattie, 18, was last seen alive at a charity dance at Hadden’s Garage in Aughnacloy on March 30th, 1973.

Her body was found at the bottom of a quarry early the next morning.

Exactly 53 years on, police have issued a new appeal for information from the public.

They said she was at the dance to listen to her brother’s band, and was seen leaving with a young man just after 1am, walking in the direction of Hadden’s Quarry.

Officers have asked to hear from anyone who remembers seeing Beattie at the event or leaving it.

“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,” a police spokesperson said.

“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 30 March 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?”

The police spokesperson said Ms Beattie’s family deserve to know what happened 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,” they said.

“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 555111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.”