American cops say they believe they know exactly who killed little Co Donegal schoolgirl Mary Boyle.
New York Police Department officers have taken an interest in the case of the Mary who was just seven years old when she went missing in 1977.
The officers have visited Cashelard outside Ballyshannon where Mary was last seen and informally interviewed a number of people about the case.
Mary’s cousin, singer Margo O’Donnell, told Donegal Daily that American officers told her they have identified the person they believe killed the young girl.
“The NYPD are very positive about the person they believe was responsible for Mary’s disappearance.
“In fact, they say they are 100% positive they know the person who killed Mary.
“Personally I am not pointing the finger at anyone. But they believe they know who did it,” she said.
Margo says she understands the NYPD officers have also discussed the case with Gardai and offered their opinions to them.
Mary was along with her twin sister Ann and family, who had been visiting relatives from their home in Burtonport when she vanished.
Margo said she now feels this could be the last throw of the dice in finding where Mary is buried.
And she said the time has now gone for people to be afraid to speak up against whoever was responsible for killing Mary.
“The time for pussy-footing around this case is over.
“This could be the last throw of the dice in finding Mary’s body. I would ask anybody who knows anything to come forward.
“Mary’s family have had to endure a living nightmare all these years.
“All they want now is for Mary to be found and for them to be able to give her a proper burial and to be able to visit her grave,” she said.
Asked if she thought the person responsible for Mary’s death was still alive she said “I do.”