FIVE PEOPLE were in Garda custody last night in connection with the death of James Boyce (72), whose body was found at his home in St Mary’s Park, Limerick city, on March 7th last.
The pensioner, who served with distinction as part of UN forces in the Congo in 1961, was found beaten to death in the bedroom. His body was found after meals-on-wheels staff entered his home when he failed to answer the door and neighbours had become concerned.
Two men aged 19 and 51 and two women aged 22 and 37 were arrested in connection with the ongoing murder inquiry at various addresses in Limerick yesterday and were being detained under section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act on suspicion of withholding information about the murder.
Meanwhile, a man aged 18 was being held under section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act on suspicion of murder.
Some 30 gardaí were involved in the arrests, which took place between 7.30am and 8.15am yesterday. Supt Frank O’Brien of Henry Street Garda station led the operation.
Two of those arrested yesterday were being held at Henry Street Garda station in Limerick city, while the three others were being questioned at Roxboro.