Gardaí in Waterford are continuing to question a man (39) about a fatal assault on a mother of three (43) who died in hospital after suffering stab wounds in her home on Monday evening.
The man is being questioned about the assault on Czech woman Yveta Donovalova who died at University Hospital Waterford (UHW) after being found with stab wounds in her home in Grange Heights in the John’s Hill area of the city shortly after 6pm.
Gardaí found Donovalova with serious stab wounds in an upstairs bedroom of the house and administered first aid before they were joined by Waterford Fire Service and HSE National Ambulance Service personnel.
Paramedics worked to stabilise Donovalovabefore she was rushed by ambulance to UHW in Ardkeen. However, it is understoodshe had suffered significant blood loss and was pronounced dead at the hospital short time later.
READ MORE
The suspect was arrested at the scene and received medical treatment before he was taken to Waterford Garda station in Ballybricken. He is detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 which allows gardaí hold suspects for up to 24 hours.
It is understood the man, who is also from the Czech Republic, was known to the dead woman, who lived in the two storey corner house in the quiet cul-de-sac estate with her husband, three children and another male.
Meanwhile, gardaí requested the services of the State Pathologist’s Office and say the course of their investigation will be determined by the findings at the postmortem which is due to take place at the Ardkeen hospital on Tuesday.
The woman’s home remains sealed off today as garda technical experts carry out a forensic examination for any evidence that might help them in establishing what happened that led to the fatal assault.
Officers have also begun door-to-door inquiries in the area to see if anyone heard any disturbance at the house. They have also begun canvassing properties in the estate for CCTV footage that might assist them in their investigation.
A senior investigating officer has been appointed to lead the investigation and an incident room has been established at Waterford Garda station in Ballybricken from where the investigation is being co-ordinated.
A family liaison officer has also been assigned to support the deceased’s family. They have been put up in temporary hotel accommodation to allow garda technical experts complete their forensic examination.
Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to this incident to come forward. They want to speak to anyone who was in the Grange Heights area on Monday between 6pm and 6.30pm and anyone who may have camera footage, including CCTV.
Anyone with information or footage is asked to contact Waterford Garda station on 051 305300, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.
