Karen Buckley’s Body Found: Police Confirm Remains Found On Glasgow Farm To Be Those Of The Missing Student
After three long days of searching for the missing Glasgow Caledonian University student, Police Scotland have confirmed that the remains found Wednesday night on a farm in North Glasgow are those of 24-year-old Karen Buckley, who went missing from a Glasgow nightclub in the early hours of Sunday morning.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Deputy Superintendent Jim Kerr made the official announcement that everyone who knew Karen had been dreading, “I can now confirm that the body discovered by officers at the farm in north Glasgow last night is that of Karen Buckley.” He also expressed his sympathies to Karen’s family and friends, and thanked the public fortheir help in the search for Buckley.
“We cannot imagine the pain and suffering of Karen’s family and friends and all our thoughts are with them at this very sad and distressing time. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the public and the communities both here and in Ireland for their significant assistance during this investigation. It was very, very helpful. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank the news media for their sustained effort and support throughout this inquiry.”
Karen Buckley, an occupational health student at Glasgow Caledonian University, but who was originally from County Cork, Ireland, met her friends at the Sanctuary nightclub in Glasgow around 11:45 p.m. Saturday night, her friends say. At approximately 1 a.m., Karen told her friends she was going to the restroom, from which she never returned, even though she had left her jacket with her friends.
From the nightclub, CCTV footage shows that Karen left with 21-year-old Alexander Pacteau. The two then reportedly went to his apartment, where she intended to spend the night. Pacteau alleges, however, that Karen left his place at 4 a.m., and that was the last he had heard from her.
Wednesday evening, Pacteau was detained by officers after the body of Buckley was found, as Police Scotland were “following a definite line of enquiry.” Thursday morning it was announced that the 21-year-old had been officially placed under arrest. Police say Alexander Pacteau is cooperating with their inquiries, and a team has been dispatched to search his apartment.
Karen’s father, John Buckley, issued a statement after authorities confirmed the body found was that of his daughter, expressing his heartache at the loss of his child.
“Marian and I, together with our sons Brendan, Kieran, and Damian, are absolutely heartbroken. Karen was our only daughter, cherished by her family and loved by her friends. She was an outgoing girl who travelled the world, where she met lots of people and thoroughly enjoyed her life. We will miss her terribly.”
Friends and strangers alike are tweeting their condolences, as well as their outrage at a young life taken much too soon, with the hashtag #KarenBuckley.
[Image Credit: the Telegraph]
