The killing of George Nkencho: the official investigation is over. What now?

George Nkencho was fatally shot by gardaí on December 30th, 2020, in the front garden of his family’s home in Clonee, Dublin 15. The 27-year-old was killed after a stand-off developed between him and armed gardaí when the deceased refused to put away a kitchen knife. The incident occurred shortly after an altercation involving Mr Nkencho and a shop assistant at a nearby shop.

His family, who have been calling for clarity into exactly what happened that day, say he had suffering from mental health issues for several months and that the force’s response was disproportionate.

The killing has been under investigation by the Garda ombudsman, Gsoc, for the past 2½ years and this week it announced it had concluded its findings and had sent a file to the Director of Public Prosecutions. Conor Lally, Irish Times crime and security editor, explains the background to the case and what Gsoc has to do now. Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Declan Conlon and John Casey.