GARDAÍ IN Co Kerry are expected to launch a murder investigation after a postmortem revealed that a man found in a burning house had died from head injuries.
Gardaí initially thought James Cahillane (58) had died from injuries suffered when a fire broke out at his home at Ardraw, Beaufort, between Killarney and Killorglin.
However, assistant State pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster confirmed at Kerry General Hospital yesterday that Mr Cahillane had suffered severe injuries to his head. Gardaí now believe he was the victim of a violent assault.
A forensic examination has been carried out on the bungalow where Mr Cahillane, an electrician, lived alone. He had been socialising on Wednesday night in Killorglin, and gardaí have been trying to establish his last movements.
They are asking anyone who may have seen anything suspicious around Ardraw from 11pm to 2am on April 18th-19th to contact them at Cahirciveen on 066-9473600.
