Parents of Missing Couple Renew Appeal Amidst New Search Efforts

The parents of William Maughan have issued a renewed plea for information concerning the whereabouts of their son and his girlfriend, Anastasija Varslavane. The couple was last observed on April 14, 2015. On Friday, Gardaí (Irish police), who are investigating the couple’s disappearance and suspected murder, initiated a new search operation across open lands in north County Dublin. Helen Maughan conveyed her sentiments to Irish broadcaster RTÉ, stating, “Hopefully today is the day we get William and Anna back.” She added, “Let us have closure.” The search at Rings Commons commenced this week after a cadaver dog pinpointed a specific section of bog land. Ms. Maughan expressed her hope that the ongoing search would provide the family with answers and closure. “It’s nine years now, and things change. I would like [anyone with information] to just look at myself and Joe and my family and pass on any small piece of information,” she said. “It might not mean a lot to them, but it will mean a lot to us and the police. Let us have closure.” She further stated, “I just pray to God that I will get my child today and can give him a Christian burial.” The couple expressed their appreciation for the Gardaí’s work on the protracted investigation. Joe Maughan commented, “The last nine years, the gardaí never gave up.” He continued, “They’re there when we need them, and they’re there when we don’t need them, doing their own thing in the background as well.” On the day of their disappearance, Mr. Maughan and Ms. Varslavane were in the process of relocating from their caravan in County Meath to his family residence in Tallaght, County Dublin. They had taken a taxi together from Balbriggan to Gormanston, where William’s mother was scheduled to pick them up. However, they were not present when Ms. Maughan arrived to collect them. Mr. Maughan’s mother became concerned and subsequently reported both individuals as missing. An extensive missing persons investigation was launched, and in September 2016, Gardaí announced they were reclassifying the case as a murder inquiry. The case was upgraded to a murder investigation following a review conducted in September 2016. Gardaí have once again appealed for anyone with information regarding the couple’s disappearance and murder to contact them.