The Murder of Inga Maria Hauser

In April 1988, eighteen-year-old German student Inga Maria Hauser boarded a ferry from Scotland to Northern Ireland during a solo InterRail trip. Fourteen days later, her body was found in Ballypatrick Forest, almost forty miles from Larne. Nearly four decades on, police have DNA, thousands of samples and a suspect they said was supported by a strong hypothesis, but nobody has ever been charged with her murder.

Episode written, hosted and produced by Jenny Claffey, researched by Karl O'Reilly

SourcesThe Irish Times — “It’s on to Ireland – which pleases me most”, wrote backpacker before her death

ITV News — Inga Maria Hauser murder: “After 30 years, it’s time to tell us what you know”

RTÉ News — Renewed appeal over Inga Maria Hauser murder

Public Prosecution Service for Northern Ireland — Decision not to prosecute taken on Inga Maria Hauser file

Irish Legal News — Lawyers call for independent investigation after suspects face no charges

Belfast News Letter — Key crime-scene exhibits have not been retained

Belfast Telegraph — New inquest granted over the 1988 murder of German backpacker

The Irish Times — Two people emerge who may have information on Inga’s murder

RTÉ News — Pair questioned over backpacker murder may join inquest

The Irish News — Pair questioned over 1988 backpacker murder may join new inquest