A man who is accused of murdering Kerry farmer, Michael Gaine, has been sent forward for trial.
US national, Michael Kelley (54) of no fixed abode, appeared before Tralee District Court this morning, and is charged with murdering 56-year-old Gaine on a date unknown between the 20th and 21st of March 2025 at Carrig, Kenmare, Co Kerry.
Kelley, who was previously remanded in custody, was today served with the Director of Public Prosecutions’ (DPP) Book of evidence and will be sent forward for trial at the Central Criminal Court.
A search of Mr Gaine’s farm found his Toyota Rav4 in the farmyard, and his phone and wallet were found in the vehicle.
Gardaí believe Gaine was dismembered using a tool such as an electric saw and disposed of the body parts in a slurry tank on the farm.
Kelley was arrested and released without charge on a number of occasions during the investigation conducted by officers from the Kerry Serious Crime team, with support from officers from the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and members of the Armed Support Unit who assisted in a previous arrest.
Kelley, a former US soldier and originally from Maine in the United States, denies any involvement in the death of Mr Gaine. He lived rent-free on Mr Gaine’s farm at the old family homestead at Carhoo East and was paid €100 a week for helping out.