Convicted Murderer Arrested in Ireland After Nine Days on the Run

A convicted murderer who failed to return to prison after being temporarily released to attend his father’s funeral has been arrested in County Donegal, Ireland, after more than a week on the run.

Gary Anderson, 29, was arrested by An Garda Síochána at a property in the Buncrana area shortly before 2 p.m. on September 23, according to the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

He Failed to Return to Prison

Anderson had been temporarily released from prison on September 14 so he could attend his father’s funeral in Derry. He did not return to custody as required and was subsequently reported unlawfully at large.

Police launched an extensive search that included searches, CCTV checks and patrols. Officers also worked with police in the Republic of Ireland as they attempted to locate him.

Arrested Near Buncrana

After nine days, Anderson was located in the Buncrana area of County Donegal. An Garda Síochána carried out a planned operation and arrested him shortly before 2 p.m.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland said it was working with the relevant authorities to arrange his return to custody.

Anderson Was Serving a Murder Sentence

Anderson was sentenced in 2023 to 15 years in prison after being convicted of the murder of Karol Kelly in Derry.

Kelly, a father of five, died in March 2018 after being stabbed during an altercation. Anderson was convicted alongside his brother, Sean Anderson, who received a longer minimum sentence.

He Appeared in Court After His Arrest

Anderson appeared before Letterkenny District Court in County Donegal on September 24. He was charged in connection with escaping from custody and was remanded while authorities sought further directions in the case.

The court heard that he had been arrested at a campsite in Fahan, near Buncrana, following a planned Garda operation.

The Search Has Now Ended

The arrest brought an end to the cross-border search for Anderson. Police thanked members of the public and their colleagues in the Republic of Ireland for assistance during the investigation.

The circumstances surrounding his temporary release have also been subject to official review, while authorities continue the process of returning him to custody.

Sources

• Police Service of Northern Ireland — “Gary Anderson has been located and arrested in Donegal” — September 23, 2026.
• RTÉ News — “Murderer at large for over a week arrested in Co Donegal” — September 24, 2026.
• ITV News / UTV — “On-the-run killer Anderson in Donegal court” — September 24, 2026.