Fugitive killer Gary Anderson arrested in County Donegal after absconding from funeral release

Irish police have apprehended Gary Anderson, a man wanted for breaching prison bail, following a week-long manhunt across the border. Anderson, who is currently serving a life sentence for murder, absconded while on temporary release to attend his father’s funeral.

The 29-year-old was taken into custody on Wednesday by An Garda Síochána at a residence in Buncrana, County Donegal. The arrest concludes a search that began after Anderson failed to return to prison on 14 September. He was last observed in the Eastway area of Derry.

Anderson and his brother were sentenced to life imprisonment in 2023 for the killing of Karol Kelly in Londonderry. He had been granted leave from his 15-year tariff to participate in family funeral proceedings before disappearing.

Det Insp Gareth Lavery of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) acknowledged the collaborative effort behind the capture. He thanked the public for their assistance following a media appeal and praised the Garda officers who executed the arrest. Lavery confirmed that PSNI is coordinating with relevant authorities to transfer Anderson back into custody and promised further updates as the process unfolds.

Under the Criminal Justice Act of 1984, the detainee is being held at a Garda station in the North Western Region. Buncrana is located approximately a 30-minute drive from the Irish border and is a frequently visited town by residents from northwest Northern Ireland.

The incident has intensified criticism from the victim’s family regarding the integrity of the justice system. Karol Kelly’s sister previously stated that her family felt failed by the authorities after the killer vanished. Northern Ireland Justice Minister Naomi Long is scheduled to meet with the Kelly family later this week to discuss the matter.