Michael Kelley appears in court charged over murder of Michael Gaine, 56, as ex-US soldier, 53, stays silent in hearing
A FORMER US soldier has appeared in court charged with the murder of sheep farmer Michael Gaine.
Michael Kelley, of Chapel Street, was brought to Tralee District Court from Castleisland Garda Station this afternoon.
Amid huge media presence, 53-year-old Kelley was driven into the courthouse grounds in a marked garda van after 4pm.
Wearing an orange top, beige trousers and boots, Kelley did not address the short hearing.
Detective Sergeant Mark O’Sullivan of Killarney Garda Station took to the stand and gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution.
After 2.20pm, he arrested Kelley for the purpose of charge at Castleisland Garda Station.
He was charged with the murder of Mr Gaine, 56, between March 20 and March 21, 2025.
Kelley made no reply and was handed a true copy of the charge sheet.
The accused was remanded in custody to appear again on March 4 via video link for the DPP’s directions.
There was no application for bail as with a charge of murder defendants must do so through the High Court.
Kelley’s solicitor, Pat Mann, applied for legal aid and handed in a statement of means to the judge, who granted it.
Mr Gaine was reported missing by his wife Janice on March 21 last year.
The case was initially treated as a missing person investigation, however, following extensive searches, it was upgraded to homicide in late April, giving gardai further investigative powers.
On May 16, remains were discovered on Mr Gaine’s farm which were later confirmed to be his.
A funeral later took place in June.
