John Crerar: The Cold Case Convict Who Evaded Justice for Two Decades Has Died

In a startling turn of events, John Crerar, who was convicted of murdering Phyllis Murphy in 1979, has passed away in prison at the age of 76. Crerar served a life sentence for his crime, which had gone unsolved for two decades until DNA evidence led to his conviction.

The Disappearance and Murder of Phyllis Murphy

The story begins in Co. Kildare, Ireland. Phyllis Murphy, a young woman of 23, disappeared after being abducted while waiting for a bus. Her body was found months later, naked, in the Wicklow Gap, a distance of about 30 km from her last known location.

The last sighting of Murphy was in the days leading up to Christmas. She was seen walking to a bus stop in Newbridge, her final destination being her hometown of Kildare town.

Murphy’s family expressed significant anxiety about Crerar’s possible release on parole, as reported by Prime Time the previous year. Their fears were staved off again in November, when he was denied parole eligibility until 2026.

The Cold Case Conviction

In 2002, after a series of DNA breakthroughs, Crerar faced trial and conviction for the murder. In 1980, he had given blood samples voluntarily during an investigation, and it was not until 1999 that genetic profiling techniques allowed for his identification as a match to the sperm found on Murphy’s body.

Crerar moved to Kildare after leaving the military in the mid-1970s, originally from Co. Tipperary. He had already aroused suspicion from a garda in 1980, making him one of several men who provided blood samples at the time.

In July 1999, Crerar was arrested and charged with the murder. Released on bail, he was convicted in October 2002. Despite his DNA match, Crerar maintained his innocence.

Due to the nature of the crime, the investigation included examining Crerar and other men regarding several unsolved attacks and disappearances of women in Leinster.

John Crerar’s Passing

According to recent reports, John Crerar fell ill at Arbour Hill Prison in late April 2023, the prison where he served his sentence. He was then transferred to the Mater Hospital in Dublin, where he passed away on Saturday.

The Irish Prison Service released a statement confirming the death of a person in custody at Arbour Hill Prison, offering their sympathies to the deceased’s friends and family.

The family of Phyllis Murphy is known to have been informed of Crerar’s death as well.

A Commentary: The Pursuit of Justice

The case of Phyllis Murphy and the pursuit of justice against John Crerar spanned over two decades, during which her family endured both the waiting and, ultimately, the confirmation of her tragic fate.

The use of advanced DNA technology in bringing Crerar to justice echoed the potential of scientific innovations in solving cold cases, offering hope to the families of other victims to one day have answers.

The story serves as a somber reminder of the impact of violent crime on individuals and communities and the importance of perseverance in seeking justice, irrespective of the time or obstacles.

Final Thoughts

John Crerar’s death marks the end of a chapter for the Murphy family, one that spanned decades of pain and uncertainty. The case of Phyllis Murphy stands as a testament to the long quest for justice and the hope that science can bring closure where no other means have succeeded.

We invite you to share your thoughts on this tragic case. Has your community ever been affected by a cold case? How do you believe advancements in technology are helping to solve long-standing mysteries? Feel free to comment below.