A murder investigation was under way last night into the death of a “devoted dad” who may have been lying dead in an abandoned building for up to 24 hours before his body was discovered by teenagers.
Gardaí confirmed last night that an autopsy on Martin Brophy (22), of Waterford city, whose body was found with head injuries in a former college building at about 5.30pm on Monday, showed he had been assaulted.
Supt Chris Delaney would not comment on the extent of Mr Brophy’s injuries or any possible murder weapon.
However, it is understood Mr Brophy may have been struck with a cement block some time on Sunday evening in the disused property at the junction of New Street, Newgate Street and John’s Lane in Waterford.
The last confirmed sighting of him was in the Poleberry area at about 4pm on Saturday evening. Gardaí are trying to piece together his movements on Saturday and Sunday.
His partner, Mary Smith, was yesterday described as “devastated” by her family, who said she was “too upset” to speak about Mr Brophy’s death. The couple were together for four years and had a son, Davin (two).
The building where Mr Brophy died was formerly a furniture shop and was used by Waterford Institute of Technology as an arts block before the college sold it a few years ago.