Human remains have been discovered amid the ongoing search for missing farmer Michael Gaine, who vanished from his home in Ireland nearly two months ago, police have confirmed
The remains were found in liquid manure spread across Mr. Gaine’s farm, according to local media outlets
Police said in a statement obtained by PEOPLE, “DNA analysis will be required to carry out formal identification of the recovered human remains,” but declined to comment on exactly where the remains were found
Human remains have been found in liquid manure spread across land almost two months after a farmer in Ireland was reported missing, according to reports.
Michael Gaine, 56, was last seen in Kenmare Town on March 20, the An Garda Síochána (Ireland’s National Police Service) confirmed in an April 10 press release. He was reported missing from his home near Kenmare in the south of County Kerry the following day on March 21.
Amid the ongoing search, human remains were discovered over the weekend in liquid manure spread across Gaine’s farm, per local media outlets The Irish Times and the Raidió Teilifís Eireann (RTÉ).
The remains are yet to be identified, but detectives suspect Mr. Gaine’s body was “dismembered and dumped in his slurry [manure] tank,” the Irish Times reported. Police have confirmed the case is being treated as a homicide investigation.
“As part of the investigation, Gardaí resumed search operations at lands in Carrig East, Kenmare, Co. Kerry on Friday evening, 16th May 2025, and a crime scene was declared,” police said in a press release obtained by PEOPLE.
The release added, “On Saturday afternoon, 17th May 2025, State Pathologist, Dr Sally Anne Collis and Forensic Anthropologist Laureen Buckley assisted by the Garda Technical Bureau have carried out preliminary examinations at the scene.”
“An Garda Síochána can confirm that partial human remains have been found,” police continued.
“Searches are ongoing to recover any further human remains,” the post added. “DNA analysis will be required to carry out formal identification of the recovered human remains.”
When asked about the reports that the human remans were found in liquid manure spread across Mr. Gaines’ farm, police told PEOPLE, “An Garda Síochána does not comment on ongoing or potential lines of enquiry of active investigations. An Garda Síochána does not comment on statements made by third parties.”
Police also confirmed in a statement obtained by PEOPLE that a man in his 50s had been arrested and remained detained as of Monday, May 19.
“The homicide investigation, led by a Senior Investigating Officer and the Serious Crime Unit Kerry Garda Division is ongoing, supported by the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (GNBCI),” the release said
“On Sunday afternoon, 18th May 2025 a male (aged in his 50s) has been arrested on suspicion of murder,” the statement added. “The male is being detained under the provisions of Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 at a Garda Station in Kerry Division.”
“An Garda Síochána continue to carry out searches and technical examinations at lands at Carrig East, Kenmare, Co. Kerry,” police continued.
“The family of Michael Gaine have been informed of this arrest and An Garda Síochána continue to support Michael’s family through a Family Liaison Officer. The family have requested privacy at this time,” the release said.
According to The Irish Times, the manure tank had been “searched and drained in the days” after Gaine disappeared. It’s unclear whether the remains had been in the tank since the alleged killing, or if they were placed there at a later date, the outlet stated.
The publication reported that police suspect Gaine was killed “during a personal dispute by a man known to him.”
Gaine’s wife, Janice Gaine, previously told the RTÉ that “this whole thing has been devastating” amid her husband’s disappearance, calling him her “best friend.”
“We want to know what happened to him, because if we can’t find Michael I just don’t know what I’m going to do,” she said in a video statement, per the outlet.
“He loved his home, he loved his farm, he loved animals,” she continued. “He had lots of friends. He was a very popular guy.”
“His disappearance is totally out of character and we knew that from day one,” Mrs. Gaine added, according to the RTÉ.