Belfast Man’s Body Unidentified For Year, Despite Nine Forms Of ID In His Pocket

James O’Neill’s body remained unidentified in a Dublin morgue for almost 13 months after being discovered in Phoenix Park on November 17th, 2023, despite having nine forms of identification in his clothing. A Phoenix Park ranger found the Belfast man’s remains in a wooded area. Police found a CV with O’Neill’s name in a nearby backpack but discounted it when the listed addresses and companies “had no record of the person named.” Dublin coroner Dr. Myra Cullinane conducted a postmortem on November 21st, 2023, but clothing examination “did not reveal any other documentation to assist in identification.” A forensic anthropologist finally discovered documents in an inner pocket of O’Neill’s raincoat in December 2024. Cullinane apologized for the “oversight” that caused “undue delay and distress” to his family. O’Neill’s parents were notified December 13th, 2024. (Story URL)