American Farmhand Accused of Irish Farmer's Murder Alleges Setup

An American farmhand has confirmed his arrest by Gardai in connection with the murder of Kerry farmer Michael Gaine, but insists he played no part in the crime and claims to be a victim of a set-up orchestrated by underworld figures.

Authorities Treat Him as a Suspect

Michael Kelley, originally from Maine, USA, and now living in Tralee, Co Kerry, voiced to the Irish Mirror: "There may be elements that want to string me up," adding, "People who have an interest in organised crime - people who are involved in organised crime." The self-proclaimed asylum seeker acknowledged to reporters that law enforcement views him as a suspect following the discovery of dismembered remains in slurry on Gaine's property in Kenmare.

Insistence on Innocence

"Whether or not I'm a suspect is not a matter of perspective. It's a matter of public record," Kelley further stated. During questioning about his communications with the Gardai, Mr. Kelley maintained: "Well of course but that's all stuff that is privileged between the guards, the solicitor and myself." When pressed by this newspaper if he denies involvement in Mr. Gaine's murder, Kelley affirmed outright: "Yes." reportsthe Irish Mirror.

Maintaining Innocence

He maintained his innocence in regards to the incident. In response to the question of someone else's involvement, Mr. Kelley noted, "that's the obvious deduction isn't it, somebody is."

Confidence in Investigation

Yesterday, it was disclosed that gardai are confident the remains belong to Mr Gaine, who was last spotted in a Centra Shop in Kenmare, approximately 8 km from his farm, on March 20.