Michael Gaine suspect who denies murder lifted by armed cops after ‘new strands’ of evidence uncovered in breakthrough

THE chief suspect in the murder of farmer Michael Gaine was rearrested this morning — after cops uncovered “new strands” of evidence.

American Michael Kelley, 53, was lifted by armed cops from Tralee Garda Station, in Co Kerry, at around 7.40am.

His accommodation is just over 200 yards away from the cop shop — with the former US soldier hauled off in a van.

Michael, 56, vanished in March 2025 from his farm near Kenmare, before his dismembered remains were found two months later.

Kelley — who worked on the murder victim’s farm for several years — was arrested days later but was released without charge.

He then embarked on a series of media interviews over the following months — including with The Irish Sun, where he confirmed he was a suspect.

He has continually denied any involvement in Mr Gaine’s death.

Senior sources have confirmed that new evidence has emerged following extensive work by the Kerry Division’s Serious Crime Unit and the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

The Irish Sun has learned that detectives have also uncovered new “circumstantial” material.

It’s understood that results from forensic and technical examinations also feature in the evidence built up by cops.

A source told us: “New strands of evidence, including circumstantial evidence, have been uncovered as part of the case.

“This has been ongoing for some time, with several different examinations and tests, for which results have come back for.”

Another source added: “It’s clearly significant given the fact they have re-arrested the man, and under legislation there must be further and new evidence. So that is what is being put to the suspect during his interview.”

Kelley — who is subject to a deportation order after a failed asylum bid — was quizzed at Castleisland Garda Station, an 18-minute drive from Tralee.

He can be held for a total of 24 hours, excluding his rest time.

During his first interview after his arrest last year, Kelley spoke at length to gardai but insisted he was innocent of any crime.

Kelley arrived here in 2017 and worked on Mr Gaine’s farm for several years.

He remained living on the land for several weeks after the farmer vanished.

But following his arrest and subsequent release, he moved to Tralee, where he told The Irish Sun he did not kill the farmer, adding: “I already denied that.”

He has since moved around various spots, carrying all his possessions in one bag.

As part of their inquiries, Gardai were in contact with US authorities to gather background on Kelley, who is from Maine.

Mr Gaine was last seen buying phone credit from a shop in Kenmare on March 20, 2025.

He was reported missing the following day by his wife Janice.

Following extensive searches, the case was upgraded to a homicide probe in late April.

Just over two weeks later, Mr Gaine’s dismembered remains were found inside a slurry spreader on his farm when it jammed.

Further remains were found in two fields where the slurry was spread, and in the tank that it was taken from.

Investigators believe he was killed and chopped up in the cattle shed before being dumped in the slurry tank below.

Cops reckon the area was hosed down and disinfected while cattle in it continued to poo into the tank.

A Garda spokesman confirmed an arrest and told us: “Investigations are ongoing.”