Mystery remains for gardaí after two women out walking find dead body in Kilkenny

Paiche Unyolo Onyemaechi and St Herblains Park in Waterford where she livedplaceholder image
Paiche Unyolo Onyemaechi and St Herblains Park in Waterford where she lived

It is 20 years since the murder of Paiche Unyolo Onyemaechi as gardaí launch a fresh appeal

Gardaí are again appealing for information in relation to the murder of a woman found dead near a bridge in Co Kilkenny. Paiche Unyolo Onyemaechi died in July 2004 after vanishing from her home and her body was found by walkers near Piltown.

Paiche was reported missing by her husband Chika Onyemaechi, on Saturday, July 10, 2004.

The last sighting of Paiche was two days earlier on Thursday, July 8, 2004 when she left her family home at St. Herblain Park, Kilcohan, Waterford at 9:30am. At 5pm on July 8, 2004, Paiche was seen in Pickardstown, County Waterford.

On Friday, July 23, 2004, two women who were out walking along Brenar Bridge near Piltown, Co Kilkenny discovered the body of Paiche in a field beside a river that runs under the bridge.

In a statement appealing for new information, gardaí said: "Paiche Unyolo Onyemaechi was 25 years old at the time of her death and from Malawi. She had two children. At times, she also used the first names ‘Gina’ or ‘Cassandra’ and the last name ‘Willis’. Paiche worked in Limerick, but it is also believed she worked at different locations nationwide.

"No person has been brought to justice for the murder of Paiche Unyolo Onyemaechi at this time.

"Paiche’s husband, Chika Onyemaechi, disappeared on Tuesday, July 27, 2004.

"Gardaí are appealing to anyone that met, saw, or has any information in relation to the murder of Paiche, who has not yet spoken to Gardaí, to please come forward.

"With the passage of time, there may now be people in a position to come forward to Gardaí. Any new information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, will be welcomed by the investigation team. This information will be treated in the strictest confidence.

"An Garda Síochána appeals to anyone with any information, no matter how small or insignificant you might believe it to be, to contact Tramore Garda Station on 051 391620 or any Garda station, or anyone who wishes to provide information confidentially should contact the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111."

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