GARDAÍ ARE investigating if the shooting death of a car mechanic at his home is linked to a number of recent physical altercations he was involved in.
The remains of Liam Murray (42) were found in the bedroom of his cottage in Rathfarnham, south Dublin, at about 10.30am yesterday. Mr Murray, a single man who lived alone, had been dead for a number of days.
Gardaí believe he had been involved in a number of fights in recent weeks. They also believe he was in a dispute some time ago over a property deal.
However, gardaí are working on the theory that the property row had been resolved.
Detectives are actively pursuing Mr Murray’s more recent drink-related confrontations as the most likely motive for his murder.
He had been involved in a serious incident in a pub in Stepaside with a number of people known to gardaí.
The latest confirmed sighting of Mr Murray was on St Patrick’s Day. When family members had been unable to contact him on Wednesday and Thursday they contacted one of his friends to inquire as to his whereabouts.
Mr Murray’s friend decided to call to the dead man’s cottage at Rockbrook Road, about 200 metres from the Merry Ploughboy Pub.
He gained access to the house yesterday morning and found his friend’s remains in bed. He had been shot in the head and chest.
Mr Murray’s friend immediately called gardaí and the area was sealed off.
The dead man’s remains were examined at the scene by the State Pathologist, Prof Marie Cassidy, before being taken to Blanchardstown hospital for a full postmortem examination.
Garda crime scene investigators examined the murder scene throughout yesterday.
According to Garda sources, there were no obvious signs of a break-in at the house.
Gardaí believe a handgun was used in the attack and said the killer most likely let himself in through an unlocked door as the victim was asleep in bed.
It is unclear when the murder took place but Garda sources said it likely occurred on St Patrick’s Day.
Mr Murray was originally from the Springfield estate in Templeogue, where he still ran a small car garage.
Residents in the Rockbrook Rd area of Rathfarnham yesterday said they were shocked at the shooting.
Peter Flanagan, a neighbour of the dead man, said Mr Murray had only moved into the house in recent years and did not mix with other residents in the row of detached cottages on Rockbrook Road.
“He seemed to live quietly, you’d very rarely see him around the place.
“It’s a very big shock for all of us because nothing normally happens around here. It’s horrific to think that this sort of thing could happen in our midst.”
Supt John Gilligan said the victim was still alive on St Patrick’s Day, when he was contacted by phone. There had been no confirmed sightings since then.
He said gardaí wanted to speak to anybody who may have seen people or cars around Rockbrook Road on or before St Patrick’s Day that would not usually be in the locality.
Supt Gilligan said the investigating team based at Terenure Garda station were conducting house to house inquiries and speaking to the dead man’s family and friends in an effort to piece together his last movements.
The investigating team includes a large number of local officers as well as members of the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the force’s serious crimes squad.
Anybody with information is asked to contact Terenure gardaí on (01) 666 6400.