An individual with a military background has been formally accused in relation to the passing of farmer Michael Gaine. Michael Kelley, aged 54, is scheduled to make a court appearance in Tralee, Co Kerry, later on Wednesday. This development follows the reapprehension of the former US soldier on suspicion of the murder of 56-year-old Mr. Gaine from Kerry. The charge was brought while Kelley was detained at Castleisland Garda Station.
Mr. Gaine, a farmer raising sheep and cattle, went missing from his residence near Kenmare on March 21 last year. Nearly two months after his disappearance, dismembered remains were located in a slurry tank on his farm in Carrig East in May.
Kelley was taken into custody at his residence in Tralee, County Kerry, early on Tuesday as reported by the Irish Mirror. Law enforcement officials have confirmed that an individual has been charged and is set to appear in court.
Although the authorities did not disclose the arrested individual’s name, sources have indicated that the suspect is indeed Kelley. Initially treated as a missing person’s case, the investigation into Mr. Gaine’s disappearance was upgraded to a homicide on April 29 last year.
On May 16, partial human remains were unearthed on Mr. Gaine’s property, later identified as belonging to the missing farmer. Kelley, originally from Maine in the US, was detained on May 18 but released the following day without charges.
In a statement subsequent to the arrest, Gardai stated, “Gardaí at Killarney Garda Station are actively investigating the disappearance and homicide of Michael Gaine (56) who was reported missing from his home near Kenmare, Co. Kerry, on Friday, March 21, 2025. A man in his 50s has been apprehended in connection with the inquiry this morning, Tuesday, February 24, 2026. He is presently being questioned under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984, at a Garda Station in the Kerry Garda Division. The Serious Crime Unit Kerry Division, supported by the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (GNBCI), is spearheading the investigation. An Garda Síochána, through family liaison officers, are maintaining communication with and providing assistance to Michael Gaine’s family. Investigations are ongoing.”
