Vigil to mark 30th anniversary of Castlederg teenager’s murder

A VIGIL will be held in Castlederg this evening (Tuesday) to mark the 30th anniversary of the disappearance and murder of teenager, Arlene Arkinson.
Fifteen-year-old Arlene had attended a disco in Bundoran, Co Donegal, and was then last seen in Castlederg in the early hours of Sunday, August 14, 1994.
Her body has never been found and nearly 30 years later in 2021 it would be ruled by the Coroner at the conclusion of the 14-year inquest that she was abducted and murdered by convicted child killer and rapist, Robert Howard, who was the last person to be seen with her in a car that morning.
Howard, who died in prison in 2015, was charged with her murder but he was acquitted in 2005.
The jury was not told of his history of violent sexual offences and that he had already been convicted of the murder and rape of schoolgirl, Hannah Williams, in London, and sentenced to a life sentence.
Despite extensive searches over the years, Arlene's body has not been located.
Her sister, Kathleen Arkinson, has never given up the fight to have her sister's remains found.
She has also appealed for anyone who can provide any information to help give Arlene a Christian burial, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to come forward.
"Thirty years is a long time,” she told this newspaper back in May.
“I will continue fighting for Arlene and I appeal to anyone out there who knows anything, no matter how small, to pick up the phone and come forward with the information.
"I can't lose hope that someday we will get full truth and justice for Arlene, but above all, I will never give up looking for my sister."
As the 30th anniversary approaches, she also reiterated her call for a public inquiry into the police handling of her sister's case.
The vigil in Arlene's memory is being held at 6pm at the entrance of Castlefin Park near to the car park across from St Patrick's Church.
Members of Arlene's family will also unveil a special memorial in tribute to her, while local priest, Rev Paul Fraser, will lead the vigil and blessing.
Kathleen has extended a warm welcome to anyone wishing to attend, adding that they are also welcome to bring a candle if they wish.
She also extended her thanks to the community for their continued support in the family's fight for justice for Arlene.