Today Gardaí make a renewed appeal for information in respect of the murder of our colleague Detective Garda Adrian Donohue.
Over four weeks have passed since Adrian’s tragic death and we would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the huge support we have received from the public. This support has been deeply appreciated by Adrian’s family and colleagues, particularly those attached to the Dundalk District.
We are conducting a significant investigation into the circumstances surrounding Adrian’s murder. The investigation team assembled, comprises of local and specialist investigators from the Northern Region and National Units based at Dundalk Station. We are also working closely with our colleagues from the Police Service of Northern Ireland who are providing valuable support and assistance.
All of the resources required are being provided to deal with the large volume of work involved. So far we have in excess of 2,300 lines of enquiries carried out. We have in excess of 800 persons interviewed and statements taken. Initial harvesting of CCTV footage has been completed and will now be examined in detail.
The investigation is progressing well and we are making good progress in a number of different areas. Assistant Commissioner Kieran Kenny speaking today said:
"On the night of the murder in the car park in Lordship Credit Union there were at least five people involved in the incident. One person fired the fatal shot that killed Adrian Donohoe.There are people out there who have knowledge of Adrian’s murder and I would ask them to reflect on the impact that Adrian’s death has had on the family, the Garda Síochána and the community where he lived and where he served. I would appeal to anybody who has information about the murder to contact us please".
Superintendent Gerry Curley made the following appeal in respect of the following:
VOLKSWAGON
Volkswagon Passatt, Graphite Blue in colour – 08D registration, Automatic.
Taken during the course of a burglary from the Clogherhead area between 11.30pm on Tuesday 22nd January 2013 and 4.30 a. m, on Wednesday 23rd January 2013. It was located burnt out at Cumsons Road, Newtownhamilton, Co. Armagh. We are satisfied that it was burnt out around 10.30pm on the night of the murder of Adrian Donohoe.
We are appealing to anyone who knows anything about the taking of this car, where it was stored in the meantime. It could have been stored in a lock up garage, or left in a street or housing estate. We are appealing to anybody who may have seen this car in that period from the time it was stolen until it was burnt out to contact us.
CAR SEAT
When the car was stolen there was a child’s car seat in the car. It is a Cosatto Brand. High back booster, child car seat, it was almost new.
We believed that this car seat was not in the car at the time it was used in the robbery and murder on that Friday night 25/1/13. We are appealing to anybody who may have been offered this car seat for sale or any unsuspecting person who may have purchased this. It may also have been dumped from the car or could have been given as a gift to some person. Again we are appealing for anyone who has any knowledge of this car seat to contact us.
HAMMER
On examination of the scene a hammer was located which we believe was used by the persons involved in the robbery and murder. The hammer which we have located is undergoing extensive forensic testing. It is described as precision mallet type hammer with a black rubber handle, a painted red section of handle and a soft rubber head. However on the actual hammer we have recovered this section is missing and a steel screw is protruding. There are also significant wear marks on the red paint of the handle. This hammer would be used by panel beaters, motor cycle mechanics or persons involved in that type of trade.
We are anxious to talk to anyone who has any knowledge of this hammer, anybody that’s missing a similar hammer or anybody who knows anything of the origin of this hammer.
Crimestoppers also announced that a significant reward was now available for information, and stressed that the call was free and callers did not have to provide their name and address.
A photograph of a car seat and a hammer, which are exact replicas of the type described above, are available on request from the Garda Press Office.
Please click here to see Crimecall Page and photos of Carseat and Hammer
